SAMPLE AUDIOGRAM SHOWING SOME EVERYDAY SOUNDS & THEIR FREQUENCIES
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How We Hear
Hearing is one of our most important senses because it is the main means by which we socialize with others. It permits us to hear the quiet rustle of leaves in the wind or experience the roaring of thunder. The ear has four main parts that sound must travel through in order for us to hear: the outer ear; the middle ear; the inner ear; and beyond the inner ear called retro-cochlear that included the VIIIth nerve and the brain. Outer Ear The outer ear consists of the auricle, the part of the ear that we can see, and includes the ear lobe and the external ear canal. These structures collect sound waves and carry them toward the eardrum. Middle Ear The middle ear lies between the eardrum and the inner ear. It contains three tiny bones, commonly called the hammer, anvil, and stirrup or stapes. These bones are named for their distinctive shapes. Sound, which is carried through the air like a continuously moving wave, makes the eardrum vibrate. These vibrations are then transmitted across the middle ear space by the tiny ear bones. Movement of the stapes bone produces waves in the liquid-filled inner ear. The middle ear chamber is connected to the back of the nose by a small canal called the eustachian tube. This tube maintains equal pressure between the middle ear and outside environment. Inner Ear The inner ear is enclosed in dense bone and is composed of two specific parts: 1.The organ of hearing (the cochlea) and 2.The organ of balance (the vestibular labyrinth). The interior of the organ of hearing or cochlea is divided into three compartments by strands of tissue, as in a shell. The middle compartment contains the hearing hair cells that are bathed in special fluid. These special cells respond to the fluid waves produced by the movements of the tiny ear bones, the stapes. Beyond the Inner Ear: The Nerve Pathways & the Brain Fluid waves in the cochlea are changed into electrical impulses, which travel rapidly along the auditory or hearing nerve to the brain. The nerve pathways leading to the brain are enclosed in a small bony canal along the nerve responsible for balance, and the nerve that stimulates the movement of the facial muscles. The nerve hearing pathways divide as they reach the brain into an extremely complex intercommunication system. Ultimately, nerve impulses are transmitted to a certain part of the brain behind the temple. There, these impulses are processed and interpreted as recognizable sounds. Hearing Loss: Issues and Answers What causes hearing loss? Hearing loss occurs to most people as they age. Hearing loss can be due to the aging process, exposure to loud noise, certain medications, infections, head or ear trauma, congenital (birth or prenatal) or hereditary factors, diseases, as well as a number of other causes. What other medical conditions may contribute to hearing loss?
How Can I Tell if I or Someone I Know Has a Hearing Loss? If you or someone you know answers yes to some of the following, it’s time to schedule a hearing evaluation with Anderson Audiology.
Why should I correct a hearing loss? If you think you have a hearing loss, the best thing you can do for yourself and those around you, is to have a hearing evaluation to see if you are a candidate for hearing devices. You may not know what you are missing if you never give hearing devices a try. Better hearing makes listening less stressful and can improve relationships with friends and family. Why do people refuse help for hearing loss? A lot of people do not accept help for hearing loss because hearing loss is wrongly associated with growing older. Most people do not want to admit that they are getting older. Also many people have heard about other people’s negative experiences in the past with hearing devices. Hearing device technology has made drastic improvements over the past few years. Keep in mind that every hearing loss is different and every person has different listening needs. This means that every person will have different expectations and a different experience. What can I expect at my first appointment? On your first visit to Anderson Audiology, we will start by asking you questions about your medical and hearing history. This is called the case history. Next, the audiologist will look into your ears using a light, called an otoscope, and check for anything in the ear canal that might affect the test results or require referral to your doctor. Finally, the audiologist will conduct a test or series of tests, called an audiometric evaluation, to assess:
What is an audiologist?An audiologist is a person who holds a masters or doctoral degree is audiology. Audiology is the science of hearing. In addition, an audiologist must be licensed or registered by their state (in 47 states) to practice audiology. |
Certifications: HUB, Texas Board Certified, Nationally certified in Audiology & Hearing devices
© 2016 Anderson Audiology. All Rights Reserved.
© 2016 Anderson Audiology. All Rights Reserved.