If you’re concerned about hearing loss, it can be helpful to find out how our hearing works in the first place. Our ears have three important components – the inner, middle and outer parts. Sound waves go into the outer ear which make the eardrum vibrate. The vibrations are made bigger by the eardrum and three tiny bones in the middle part of the ear. As the bigger vibrations reach the inner ear, they move through a fluid in a snail-shaped part called the cochlea.
The cochlea has nerve cells with thousands of minute hairs attached and it is these hairs that convert the vibrations into electrical signals. These signals are then transmitted to the brain which converts them into sound. Clever stuff, right?
So, what can cause damage to this amazing process?
Inner Ear Damage – Aging and loud noises can cause damage over time, to the hairs or nerve cells. When damaged, they don’t send electrical signals well to the brain resulting in hearing loss.
Earwax – Any build up of wax can cause a blockage which prevents sound waves from passing through. For help with Ear wax removal Birmingham, visit www.earwax.co.uk/ear-wax-removal-near-me/northfield-birmingham/
Infection – Infection, as well as bone growths or tumours can also block the ear canal making it difficult for waves to pass through.
Eardrum perforation – A rupture in the eardrum from pressure changes, loud noises or inserting something into the ear canal can also result in hearing loss from bursting the eardrum.
