How Do We Hear?

Hearing is a magical kind of sense. Unlike sight that requires us to open our eyes and look around, or the sense of touch which relies on physical contact, hearing just “happens.” But how?

It may look unusual, but your ear is a highly specialized piece of equipment on your body. Your cupped outer ear catches sounds waves and directs them into a series of complex sensors. As the sound waves travel through your ear canal, they make your eardrum and tiny bones vibrate. Nerves in your inner ear pick up on these vibrations and turn them into electrical impulses to your brain. Your brain can then identify these sounds as speech, music, noise, and more.

If any of these sensory parts are damaged, your entire sense of hearing is affected. This may be because a part of your ear becomes blocked. Nerves may get damaged. Sound waves may not be processed correctly. Fortunately, hearing instruments can often step in to assist damaged hearing functions.

Signs of Hearing Loss

How do you know if you’re affected by hearing loss? The answer isn’t as obvious as you’d think. For many people, hearing loss comes on gradually enough that they continue to think their hearing is fine, even when it’s not. But there are signs you can watch for.

Regular check-ups are the best way to know how your hearing health is doing. If you haven’t had a professional exam in a while, ask your regular doctor or visit an audiologist. A check-up once a year is always a good idea. Still, there are signs you might recognize on your own.

• Other people comment that your TV or radio is too loud
• Difficulty following conversations involving 2 or more people
• Confusion or difficulty focusing in noisy areas (restaurants, malls, meetings, etc.)
• Relying more on reading lips or watching people’s faces as they talk
• Common sounds seem muffled
• Difficulty hearing women and children’s voices
• Unrelated answers or comments to questions/conversations
• Ringing sensation in the ears

• Exposure to loud sounds over a long period
• Single exposure to explosive noise
• Diabetes, heart, circulatory or thyroid conditions
• Family history of hearing loss
• Medications (ototoxic drugs) that may affect hearing

• You feel stressed out when listening to someone
• You feel frustrated that people mumble or don’t speak up
• You’re embarrassed about not following conversations
• You feel nervous you won’t understand something
• You avoid social situations
• You don’t enjoy being with people as much as you used to

Three Steps to better hearing

So you think your hearing health may need attention. Now what? These three easy steps will get you started right.

Educate Yourself
By reading this, you’re already on your way. Our site can help you better understand how hearing works and how the types and degrees of hearing loss relate to you. Besides researching online, ask around. You probably know people who can share their experiences with hearing loss. You should also talk to your doctor and get a hearing examination.

Locate a Qualified Professional
Hearing care professionals specialize in hearing disorders. Once they test your hearing and analyze your situation, they devise a treatment option that would best suit you and your lifestyle.

Although a family doctor or Ear, Nose, and Throat specialist can give you a hearing examination, an audiologist or hearing aid provider will be the one to test for and recommend a hearing instrument. Sonic works with a network of hearing care professionals who are licensed, highly skilled, and trained to give you personalized attention and service.

Prepare for Your Visit
To make your visit with a professional go smoothly, be prepared with some information about your lifestyle and hearing situation:

• Bring a relative or a good friend with you. They can offer another perspective on your hearing and give you a good sounding board for discussing your results after the appointment.
  


• List common situations where hearing is difficult for you. This reveals details about your hearing loss and your lifestyle and is very helpful in determining a solution.
  


• Think about your top concerns. Are you frustrated in certain situations? Nervous to try hearing instruments? Self-conscious about your hearing? Concerned about costs? Sharing your concerns can help a professional identify the best solution for you.
  


• Keep an open mind. You might be surprised at what you learn — and the many possibilities available. This is a step to better hearing — and to a better life. Be prepared to embrace the changes ahead of you so you can enjoy the sounds of everyday life.

Types of Hearing Aids

Hearing aids are available in a variety of styles designed to meet different cosmetic preferences and address different hearing loss needs. Your hearing care professional can help you identify which hearing aid styles are appropriate for your specific needs.

	Reciever-In-The-Ear Styles (RITE, RIC) Fit behind the outer ear with only the receiver in the ear canal.
	Behind-The-Ear Styles (BTE) Fit behind the ear and direct sound to the ear canal via domes or custom earmolds.
	Invisible Styles (IIC) Custom option designed to hide entirely in the ear canal, making it virtually invisible.
	Canal Styles (CIC, ITC, ITE) Custom option placed in ear canal with a portion showing in the bowl of the ear.