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How Hearing Works
 
The Outer Ear
The part of the outer ear that we see is called the pinna, or auricle. The pinna provides a natural boost for sounds in the 2000 to 3000 Hz frequency range. The ear canal, also called the external auditory meatus, is the other important outer ear landmark. The ear canal is lined with only a few layers of skin and it is a highly vascularized area. This means that there is an abundant flow of blood to the ear canal.
 
The Middle Ear
The eardrum, or tympanic membrane (abbreviated TM) is the dividing line between the outer and middle ears. The ossicles are the three tiny bones of the middle ear that are fully developed at birth. They serve as a mechanical link between the tympanic membrane and the inner ear. The Eustachian tube is the middle ear's air pressure equalizing system. The middle ear is encased in bone and does not communicate with the outside atmosphere except through the Eustachian tube.
 
The Inner Ear
The inner ear is a series of channels and chambers embedded deep within the temporal bone. The inner ear is called the cochlea. The cochlea transduces (changes from one form to another) the mechanical stimulus of sound, via the tympanic membrane and the ossicular chain, into a sequence of electrical discharges that is the language of the auditory nervous system.
 
Types of Hearing Loss
There are three types of hearing loss: Conductive, Sensorineural and Mixed Hearing Loss.
 
Conductive Hearing Loss occurs due to loss of sound sensitivity resulting from abnormalities of the middle and/or outer ear. The auditory nerve still functions normally; the sound is just unable to reach the inner ear. This type of loss is common in children with ear infections. Once the infection is cleared up, the hearing is restored. This type of loss can usually be treated with medication or simple surgery.
 
Sensorineural Hearing Loss - the most common type of hearing loss can result from abnormalities of the inner ear and/or nerve paths to the brain. Both the auditory cells and auditory nerve are permanently damaged. This is the type of hearing loss often referred to as "nerve loss". While there are many causes of Sensorineural Hearing Loss, it is most commonly caused by repetitive exposure to high-intensity noise or by the natural aging process. This type of loss can usually be helped with the use of hearing instruments.
 
Mixed Hearing Losses have symptoms of both Conductive and Sensorineural Hearing Losses.
 
Causes of Hearing Loss
Most people think that hearing loss is a sign of advancing age. While time has an impact on all of the body’s systems, because of the increase in work-related and recreational noise, hearing loss is occurring at younger and younger ages.
 
There are actually more people between the ages of 45 and 64 who have a hearing loss than people ages 65 and older. Over the past 20 years, hearing loss in people ages 18 to 44 has increased by more than 17% and in people ages 45-64 by more than 26%. Hearing loss can also be hereditary.
 
The most common causes of hearing loss have nothing to with advancing age! Rather, they are caused by repetitive exposure to loud sounds that are parts of everyday life—loud machinery, power equipment such as lawnmowers, and loud music from stereos or concerts.
 
Since hearing loss happens gradually and painlessly, many people are unaware of how significant their hearing loss is. Few have their hearing evaluated. The average person who seeks help for his hearing loss usually waits 7-10 years after the identification of the loss to get help. Even when people are made aware of their hearing loss, 80% do nothing about it.
 
Hearing loss is like any other medical condition—the earlier we detect it, the easier it is to help the problem. The more a person prolongs the problem, the more difficult it is to adapt to hearing instruments.
 
Preventing Hearing Loss
Noise-induced hearing loss can result from a single loud noise such as a firecracker or gunshot. Hearing loss can also result from prolonged exposure to noise over a period of time. It occurs gradually and painlessly. The best way to prevent noise-induced hearing loss is to take care of your hearing by protecting your ears from loud sounds.
 
We should not be exposed to 85 decibels (dB) of sound for longer than eight hours a day. For every 5 dB increase in volume, the maximum recommended exposure time is cut in half. Here are some examples of sound represented in decibels:

• Lawnmower [90 dB]
• Snowmobile [100 dB]
• Stereo Headphones [105-110 dB]
• Car Horn [110 dB]
• Jackhammer [113 dB]
• Rock Concert [115-120 dB]
• Jet Taking Off [130 dB]
• Firearms [125-170 dB]

As you can see, there are many everyday sounds that can cause noise-induced hearing loss. Here are some simple things you can do to protect your hearing:

• Wear earplugs when you’re exposed to loud noise at work or play.
• Pay attention to the noises around you. Turn down the volume on radios, TVs and stereos when you can. Whenever possible, leave noisy environments.
• Alternate a noisy activity with a quiet one to give your ears a rest.

Tinnitus
 
What is Tinnitus?
Tinnitus is a ringing in your ear or other type of noise heard internally that cannot be detected by others. According to the American Tinnitus Association, over 50 million Americans suffer from this condition. In severe cases of tinnitus, depression, anxiety, and even suicidal thoughts can occur.

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