Understanding Deafness and Hearing Loss

Those who hear well can be forgiven for taking it for granted. It seems to happen automatically without effort or difficulty. Even the occasional temporary stuffed up ears caused by a head cold, allergy or sinus condition makes the process seem any more miraculous. The truth is that the ability to hear and interpret sounds requires a complex system to work well. If any part of the process is permanently damaged, the result is deafness and hearing loss in one or both ears. As millions of people who suffer from deafness and hearing loss can attest, such an experience happens every day.

The System

The ear is made up of three parts called the outer, middle and inner ear. Sound waves are caught by the outer ear and travel along the canal to the middle ear where the eardrum turns the waves to vibrations which are felt by the tiny bones there. The bones and eardrum magnify the vibrations which are sent to the fluid of the inner ear. Hair cells are contained in the fluid of the cochlea. The hair cells are moved by the vibrating fluid causing a change that produces nerve impulses. These electrical nerve impulses go to the brain for interpretation. Damage to any of these fragile processing parts can mean permanent deafness and hearing loss.

For the system to work, all parts of it must be properly formed. Congenital defects in any significant portion will mean lifelong deafness and hearing loss. From a slight decrease in the circumference of the ear canal to a misshapen cochlea to a malformed outer ear, any significant deviation from the norm means diminished hearing ability. Fortunately, modern science can repair some of the reachable areas of the ear and provide treatment and training for uncorrectable problems. Inherited disorders can cause gradual hearing loss. Injuries to the ear can damage the tiny bones called ossicles. There are three of them, commonly called the hammer, anvil and stirrup. Sudden, very loud noise can damage the eardrum permanently. Long or repeated exposure to loud noise can do the same. Illnesses such as Measles or meningitis can cause deafness and hearing loss. Obstruction of the ear canal by ear wax, infection or tumors is a danger to hearing. Finally, most people suffer a decline in hearing ability as they age. It’s not hopeless, though. Care and precaution can successfully help most to evade deafness and hearing loss.