How your hearing works.

We hear with our ears and brain via 3 distinct areas: The Outer Ear, The Middle Ear and The Inner Ear. Each part plays an integral role in directing sound signals for processing in the brain.

Outer Ear

Sound waves are collected by outer ear (pinna) and channelled along the ear canal to the eardrum.

Middle Ear

When the sound waves hit the eardrum, a vibration is created and transferred via the 3 smallest bones in the body, the malleus, incus and stapes (a mechanical lever system). The Eustachian tube which joins the back of the nasal passages works as a valve to equalize the air filled space behind the eardrum to that of the outside world.

Inner Ear

The stapes is connected to the inner ear (cochlea), which is filled with fluid and thousands of microscopic sensory hair cells. The vibration of the stapes against the cochlea causes the fluid in the cochlea to move like a wave. The wave sets off nerve impulses which are carried by the hearing nerve to the brain where it is recognised as sound.

CHECKING YOUR HEARING

How do you know if you have a hearing problem?

1. You need to ask people to repeat themselves

2. People appear to be mumbling and you would like to hear conversations more clearly

3. You often misunderstand what others have said to you

4. The television or radio volume needs to be louder than others prefer for you to hear it

5. You have difficulty hearing on the phone

6. You have difficulty hearing in background noise, such as restaurants and family gatherings

7. You have difficulty hearing in meetings or lectures

How do you know if your baby or child has a hearing problem?

1. Speech development is delayed compared to others of the same age

2. The child does not respond to sound

3. Difficulties learning at school

4. Appears inattentive, restless or has some behavioral problems

If you already wear a hearing device:

1. Are you satisfied with the sound quality of your device/s?

2. Are you satisfied with its performance at family gatherings?

3. Are you having difficulty hearing the television clearly?

4. Are you having difficulty hearing on the phone?

5. Is the device uncomfortable to wear or uncomfortably loud?

6. Do you experience a whistling feedback noise from your device?

7. If you experience any of these problems make an appointment with Hearing Innovations to find out what can be done to improve your hearing aid performance.