How does hearing happen?
The ear is divided into three parts: outer, middle and inner. Each part carries out the necessary processes
for our hearing.
The outer ear consists of the auricle and the external auditory canal. These structures collect sound and direct it to the eardrum.
The middle ear is located between the outer and inner ear; It includes the eardrum and ear ossicles. It transmits sound vibrations to the inner
ear. In doing this, it works just like a transformer, transferring the sound vibrations in the outer ear canal to the fluid in the inner ear and transforming them into fluid waves.
The inner ear contains microscopic auditory nerve endings located in the fluid. Fluid movements stimulate these very thin
nerve endings. Stimulations ultimately transmit sound energy to the brain, where it is interpreted.
What are the Types of Hearing Impairment?
The outer and middle ear transmit and transform sound; The inner ear perceives. When there is a disorder in the outer and middle ear, conductive hearing loss develops. In case of a disorder in the inner ear, nerve type (sensorineural) hearing loss
occurs. If the disorder in both the outer and middle ear and the inner ear occurs, mixed (Mixt) type hearing loss occurs.
Conductive Hearing Loss: Conductive hearing loss, closure of the external ear canal, hole in the eardrum
formation may occur in cases of middle ear infections or disorders of the middle ear ossicles. This type of hearing loss is usually correctable.
A person with conductive hearing loss feels as if their ears are full or blocked. Because his own voice sounds strong to his ears, he often speaks slowly and in a certain tone. Generally, he/she hears better in crowded environments. When eating rustling foods such as popcorn, the sounds are reflected strongly in his ears and
he may feel the need to stop chewing to understand the conversations. With this type of hearing loss, the person can talk comfortably on the phone. Fortunately, a person with conductive hearing loss never becomes completely deaf due to this condition. Hearing can always be achieved with a suitable operation or hearing aid.
Nerve Type (Sensorineural) Hearing Loss: This type of hearing loss affects the inner ear. It occurs due to impaired circulation, increased fluid pressure, or disturbances in nerve conduction. The most common cause is changes in nerve endings due to aging. This type of hearing loss cannot be corrected, but it rarely causes deafness. The patient with nerve-type hearing loss may say that he hears what is said around him but cannot understand it. Increasing the sound
intensity only causes confusion. He can hear the conversation but cannot perceive it clearly.
He hears more clearly in quiet environments, but has difficulty hearing what is said on the phone. She perceives low sounds more easily than high-pitched voices, so she may find what a man says more understandable than what a woman with a thin voice says. He/she may not be able to hear the ringing sound or the phone ringing in the other room. It is necessary to
adjust phone and ring tones accordingly.
Hearing Loss in One Ear: Hearing loss in one ear prevents the person from determining the direction
the sound is coming from. It is difficult to hear when spoken by the affected ear or in places where the acoustics are not good.
Rehabilitation: In order to understand the cause and degree of hearing loss, the person must consult an ear, nose and throat physician who specializes in this field. It should be evaluated by an audiologist by performing hearing tests.
Treatment options may include correction of some deficiencies, preventive measures, medication, surgery, or a combination of these.
Every person with hearing loss needs adequate rehabilitation.
A good rehabilitation program may include lip reading, hearing training, speech training, and development.
All of these may not be applicable to one person. Everyone gets help, taking what is necessary. These
methods should not be ignored; their help may be more than expected.
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