About Hearing LOSS
A Better Understanding About Hearing Loss
About Hearing Loss and Your Hearing
Better understanding of hearing loss begins by understanding how we hear. The diagram below illustrates the steps involved.
- Sound waves are collected by the outer ear and channelled along the ear canal to the eardrum.
- When sound waves reach the eardrum, the impact creates vibrations which are transferred through a series of three tiny bones.
- The third of these bones is connected to a delicate, snail-shaped structure called the cochlea. The cochlea is filled with fluid and lined with thousands of microscopic hairs. The vibrations are transmitted to the fluid in the cochlea, where the hair cells are bent by the wave-like action of fluid inside the cochlea. The bending of these hairs sets off nerve impulses that are then passed through the auditory nerve.
- The auditory nerve carries the signal to the hearing centre of the brain, which translates the impulses into what we perceive as “sounds”.
Symptoms of Hearing Loss
Recognising and learning about hearing loss in yourself, or someone you know is the first step toward improving the situation.
Symptoms Include:
- Difficulty hearing high-pitched sounds, such as the voices of women and children
- Difficulty hearing at public gatherings and events
- Difficulty understanding conversations within a group of people, or on the telephone
As hearing loss can gradually develop over several years, most people are not aware of the extent of their loss until family or friends bring it to their attention. Even then they might deny that they have difficulty hearing.
People with mild hearing loss often use the following tactics to cope with the situation:
- Turning up the volume on the TV to a level that disturbs others
- Consistently asking people to repeat themselves, or to speak more loudly
- Avoiding social situations such as restaurants or parties, where noise can make it difficult to hear conversation
- Turning the head to one side while listening
Although these habits can help the individual with hearing loss in some situations, the hearing loss is most likely depriving them of a wide range of life’s sounds. Eventually, as the hearing loss progresses, the above techniques won’t provide adequate hearing assistance.
Why are Two Hearing Aids Better Than One?
Studies show that, even when a hearing loss is more severe in one ear, many people with hearing loss can still benefit from the natural sound-gathering ability of both ears.
The benefits of binaural amplification (wearing two hearing instruments) as opposed to wearing just one include:
- A more normal, “balanced” sound
- Better overall sound quality
- Better understanding in group situations
- A more relaxed listening experience (never having to turn to use the “good” ear)
- The ability to set volume controls lower, enabling the wearer to hear sound at a softer, more comfortable level
One of the most important roles binaural amplification can play is to improve the wearer’s ability to identify the source of a particular sound.
The brain uses signals from both ears to determine the direction a sound is coming from.
Without the ability to hear properly with both ears, situations such as finding the person who’s calling your name, determining whether someone’s knocking at the front or back door, or crossing the street can be difficult or even dangerous.
Get your hearing checked by an independent hearing health partner who truly listens
Book a FREE hearing test today. Or contact us for more information and we will be in touch.
OUR LOCATIONS across Melbourne
Our Hearing Clinic Locations and Contact Details
Complete Hearing Solutions operates six hearing clinics across the eastern and northern regions of Melbourne. Contact the clinic near you to book an appointment.
