The ear and how we hear
Sound travels through the ear canal to the eardrum setting it into vibration. These vibrations are transferred to the three very small bones (hammer, anvil and stirrup) in the middle of the ear. When the stirrup vibrates, it causes movement of the fluid in the inner ear which stimulates the sensory cells for hearing. |
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| Stimulation of these sensory cells generates an electrical signal which travels to the brain via the auditory nerve. This is how the ear functions. |
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Hearing Loss
Most hearing problems are caused by damage to the inner ear. This type of hearing problem is commonly called nerve deafness. There are many causes of nerve deafness; however, the most common causes are exposure to loud noise and the aging process. When the inner ear or auditory nerve is damaged, a weak, distorted, and incomplete message is sent to the brain and understanding becomes difficult if not impossible. Nerve deafness is not medically curable, but if it is accompanied by ringing in the ears, dizziness or drainage from the ear, it is important to see a medical doctor at once. |
Early detection is important
Most hearing losses due to nerve deafness gradually worsen with time. The first signs of hearing loss are often subtle. You may find yourself straining to hear or blaming others for mumbling. Certain high-pitched sounds are ("F" and "S" for example) will become difficult to distinguish and you may notice that you can hear someone speaking, but not understand what they are saying. Habits begin to change. The person developing a hearing loss may find it difficult to enjoy TV or to hear the telephone ring. Social situations are avoided because it is more difficult to understand when two or more person are speaking, especially when background noise is present. |
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Nerve deafness can be aided
Although nerve deafness cannot be cured, it can be aided. Hearing help may be available for some people with nerve deafness. Early detection is very important. If you or a loved one suspect nerve deafness, have your hearing checked today, It is the first step toward better hearing and more a more enjoyable life. |
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- Hearing loss is the third most common chronic condition in older Americans, after hypertension and arthritis.
- Between 25% and 40% of people 65 years or older are hearing impaired. The frequency of hearing loss rises with age, ranging from 40% to 66% in patients older then 75 years and more then 80% in patients older then 85 years.
- Hearing loss in older patients is strongly associated with depression; moreover, studies have found that hearing loss is associated with social isolation, poor self-esteem, physical disability and even dementia.
- Despite the frequency and burden of hearing loss, hearing impairment is under diagnosed in older people.
- Hearing loss also is under treated. Only 25% of patients with correctable hearing loss receive hearing aids, despite that fact that treatment of hearing loss improves quality of life.
- A research study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association concluded that wearing a hearing aid made a difference in the life of a person with hearing loss, regardless of the type of hearing aid used.
- 80% of people with significant hearing loss do not seek help.
- People with hearing loss wait an average of seven years before seeking help.
- It may take six months to a full year for the auditory system to acclimate itself to the sounds the hearing aids are sending to the auditory pathways and brain.
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