Hearing health basics
How does hearing work?
Our ears are quite the engineering feat and the way we hear is nothing short of amazing. To better understand how our hearing actually works, it can help to take a quick peek inside.
Let’s start at the ear canal, a pathway that leads sound waves from the outer to the inner ear. The waves travel down this tunnel until they hit what looks like a dead end known as the eardrum. That drum is actually a membrane—a cushion connecting to three small bones that do a little dance when activated by sound waves.
These bones are connected to a snail shape no bigger than the size of a pea. The snail is full of fluid and tiny hair cell bundles. Here, sound is translated into high and low frequencies. After sliding down the auditory nerve, these frequencies make their way to the brain, which interprets them as sounds we can hear and comprehend.
The hearing experience may still be enshrouded in mystery and, while we’ve simplified it quite a bit, that’s the gist of the sound wave journey. If you want to get your bones dancing, you can screen your hearing for free in less than 5 minutes with our online hearing test.
Let’s start at the ear canal, a pathway that leads sound waves from the outer to the inner ear. The waves travel down this tunnel until they hit what looks like a dead end known as the eardrum. That drum is actually a membrane—a cushion connecting to three small bones that do a little dance when activated by sound waves.
These bones are connected to a snail shape no bigger than the size of a pea. The snail is full of fluid and tiny hair cell bundles. Here, sound is translated into high and low frequencies. After sliding down the auditory nerve, these frequencies make their way to the brain, which interprets them as sounds we can hear and comprehend.
The hearing experience may still be enshrouded in mystery and, while we’ve simplified it quite a bit, that’s the gist of the sound wave journey. If you want to get your bones dancing, you can screen your hearing for free in less than 5 minutes with our online hearing test.
Online hearing test
Preventing hearing loss
Protecting your hearing health
Hearing is a beautiful thing. Not only is it essential for how we connect with the world around us, it plays a major role in our mental health, too. After all, it feeds our brains with glorious stimulation. So, what can you keep in mind when it comes to taking care of yourself and, ultimately, your hearing health?
Living with hearing loss
Five tips for better hearing
- 1Ask people to slow downThere’s no harm in asking the person you’re talking with to speak more clearly and slowly. A slower, more enunciated speech can make a big difference during a conversation.
- 4Ensure good lightingYou’d be surprised at the difference proper lighting can make. When you’re out and about, make sure to sit somewhere with good lighting. This will help you avoid shadows and give you a better chance at reading lips and seeing facial expressions.
- 2Face the person you're talking toFace to face: when you talk to someone, turn your head so that your hearing is truly in-stereo. It’s also easier to hear if you can see their lips and facial expressions.
- 5Use hearing aidsHearing aids are the best tool you have in the fight against heraing loss. With today’s innovative technology and extensive options, finding hearing aids that fit your needs is easier than ever.
- 3Reduce stress and meditateA sound mind means sound ears. Your ears love and need the silence in the morning. Think of meditating as a massage for your brain (and ears). Think of it as loosening up all the gunk, the memories, the worries that act as roadblocks to getting a fresh start to the day.
Pinpointing sound
What’s directional hearing?
When a shout or noise comes from behind you, you may not realize it, but your head turns automatically to the source of the sound. This is called directional hearing.
Directional hearing is our own private GPS of sound. It happens when both ears work in harmony and is one of the many reasons why hearing aids come in pairs—one for each ear. Having a balance of sound and the ability to distinguish right from left, forward or behind, helps you stay aware of your surroundings and communicate more effectively.
Do you have trouble pinpointing sound?
Directional hearing is our own private GPS of sound. It happens when both ears work in harmony and is one of the many reasons why hearing aids come in pairs—one for each ear. Having a balance of sound and the ability to distinguish right from left, forward or behind, helps you stay aware of your surroundings and communicate more effectively.
Do you have trouble pinpointing sound?
Types of hearing loss
Hearing basics: FAQ
How do you hear?
What natural remedies help for healthy hearing?
Is it possible to improve your hearing?
Are studies being done to cure hearing loss?
Can hearing loss be cured?
Am I a candidate for hearing instruments?
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