Hearing loss is a common health condition that affects more than 50 million Americans in the United States. Despite the fact that some of us have ears and have the ability to hear, many do not have a true understanding of the ear and how they work. To truly understand hearing and hearing loss, it helps to know the basics. Having a basic understanding about the function of the ears can help you better collaborate with your physician, and can lead to better hearing solutions.
There are common, basic questions about hearing loss that many people ask or wonder about. To help educate others about the basics of hearing loss, here are some of the most common questions and their answers.
1. What are the Mechanics of Hearing?
Your ear is divided into three parts, the inner, middle and outer ear. The inner ear contains semi-circular canals for balance, as well as the cochlea. The Eustachian tubes and the stapes, the …show more content…
What Kind of Impact Does Hearing Loss Have on a Person’s Life?
Often, it’s once you lose something that you then realize what you had. It’s not uncommon for people to take their bodily functions for granted, but losing your hearing can greatly affect a person’s quality of life. Hearing loss can make a person become withdrawn, anxious, and depressed. Also, hearing loss can make one feel “alone” and can even put that person in danger of injury or death. Luckily, there is help for hearing loss for those who seek it.
5. What Can I Do to Protect My Hearing?
The best way to prevent hearing loss is to be proactive about your ears, keep them protected, and see your doctor for annual checkups. While you can’t prevent age related hearing, hearing loss that is noise-induced is 100% preventable. To protect your ears from loud noise, avoid loud noises where you can and make sure you wear ear protection every time you are exposed to noises that are at or above 85 decibels in loudness. Remember, preventive medicine is the best