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How We Hear
The ear is divided into three sections: Outer ear, Middle ear, and Inner ear.The outer ear consists of the Pinna and the External Auditory Canal, up to the Tympanic Membrane
(eardrum). The Pinna captures sound pressure waves in the air and funnels them through the ear canal. The middle ear consists of the Tympanic Membrane, Ottic Capsule
, and the three tiny bones (Incus, Malleus, and Stapes). Sound pressure waves are turned into mechanical vibrations and augmented by the eardrum and tiny ossicles. The inner ear consists of the
Cochlea and the Auditory Nerve. The mechanical vibrations cause hydraulic waves in the fluid filled cochlea, which in turn cause hear cells in the Organ of Corti
to bend, sending electrical impulses through the Auditory Nerve to the Brain. For more information on how we hear we suggest visiting the following sites: Better hearing Institute (www.betterhearing.org)
and Self Help for Hard of hearing (www.shhh.org) Three Types of Hearing LossWith the above named anatomy there are many areas where damage can result in hearing loss.
Hearing loss arising from damage or pathology involving the Outer ear or Middle ear is called Conductive loss. Types of Conductive loss are:
- Otosclerosis
- Perforated Ear Drum
- Ossicular Dysfunction
- Impacted Cerumen (ear wax)
- Physical deformity of the Pinna
Hearing loss resulting from damage or pathology of the Inner ear is called Sensorineural loss. Types of Sensorineural loss:
- Presbycusis (due to the normal aging process)
- Noise Induced
- Ototoxic Drugs
- Hereditary factors
In addition to the types of hearing loss discussed above there is a dimension of hearing loss that involves the brain and is called Central Effects. Central effects can include diminished
auditory memory and poor speech discrimination, especially in noise or with rapid speech. Presbycusis can have central expressions and is called neural presbycucsis.
If you have had a hearing evaluation, compare your results to the chart below. If you have not had an evaluation please contact us , we can help!
Problems of Hearing Loss
- Hearing soft speech
- Hearing High/Low pitches
- Understanding speech in noise
- Localizing sounds/speech
- Tinnitus – ringing or buzzing in the ear
- Sensitivity to loud sounds
Problems of Hearing Loss
- Hearing soft speech
- Hearing High/Low pitches
- Understanding speech in noise
- Localizing sounds/speech
- Tinnitus-ringing or buzzing in the ear
- Sensitivity to loud sounds
- Understanding speech on;
Television Radio Telephone
Psychological/Emotional Effects of Hearing Loss These may include:
- Frustration
- Tension
- Fatigue
- Self Doubt
- Depression
- Withdrawal
- Poor Self Perception
- Denial
- Anger
- Loneliness
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