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How Your Hearing Works and What Happens When it Doesn’t

How Your Hearing Works Blog

In this blog, you’ll learn:

  • How sound travels through the ear and is processed by the brain
  • What can go wrong in each part of the hearing system
  • When it’s time to see an audiologist for professional care

Understanding How Your Hearing Works

Hearing is one of the most powerful senses we have. It connects us to people, nature, and the world around us. But how does hearing actually work? And what happens when it doesn’t?

The hearing process starts with your ears, but it involves your brain too. Your ear captures sound waves and transforms them into signals your brain can understand. This process happens almost instantly, hundreds of times a day, often without us even realising it.

The Three Main Parts of the Ear

Your ear has three main parts: the outer ear, middle ear, and inner ear. Each plays a specific role in how we hear.

The outer ear includes the part you can see (the pinna) and the ear canal. Its job is to collect sound waves from your environment and funnel them towards the eardrum.

  • What could go wrong: Problems in this area, such as wax build-up or infections, can block sound and reduce clarity.

The middle ear contains the eardrum and three tiny bones (ossicles) that vibrate in response to sound. These vibrations help transfer sound energy to the inner ear.

  • What can go wrong: The middle ear can be affected by fluid build-up from infections, a perforated eardrum, or problems with the tiny bones, such as otosclerosis.

The inner ear is where sound vibrations are turned into electrical signals that your brain can interpret. The cochlea, a snail-shaped structure, is filled with fluid and lined with tiny hair cells that move in response to vibrations. The inner ear also helps control your senses.

  • What can go wrong: Damage to the hair cells, often caused by loud noise, ageing, or illness, can lead to permanent hearing loss.

The Role of the Brain in Hearing

Once the sound reaches the inner ear and is turned into a signal, your auditory nerve sends that signal to your brain. Your brain then interprets these signals so you can recognise voices, music, or the sound of a car approaching.

If this connection is disrupted, it may feel like you can hear sounds but cannot understand them clearly, especially in noisy places.

What Happens When Your Hearing Doesn’t Work as It Should

Hearing loss can occur at any point in the hearing system, and the cause will determine the type of hearing loss:

  • Conductive Hearing Loss – Problems in the outer or middle ear. Often treatable or temporary.
  • Sensorineural Hearing Loss – Damage to the inner ear or auditory nerve. Usually permanent but manageable with hearing aids or other treatments.
  • Mixed Hearing Loss – A combination of both types above.

Common causes include:

  • Age-related hearing decline
  • Repeated exposure to loud noise
  • Ear infections or trauma
  • Genetic factors
  • Certain medications

When to See an Audiologist

You should book a hearing assessment if you or someone you care about:

  • Struggles to follow conversations in noisy environments
  • Frequently asks others to repeat themselves
  • Turns the TV or radio up louder than others prefer
  • Avoids social settings due to difficulty hearing
  • Complains of ringing in the ears (tinnitus)

Early detection makes a big difference. The sooner you get your hearing checked, the more treatment options are available.

Tips to Protect Your Hearing

  • Wear ear protection in noisy environments (concerts, construction sites, etc.)
  • Limit headphone volume and listening time
  • Treat ear infections promptly
  • Avoid inserting objects (like cotton buds) into your ears
  • Schedule routine hearing checks, especially after age 50

FAQs About Hearing Loss

A: Conductive hearing loss may be reversible, but sensorineural loss usually isn’t. However, hearing aids and other devices can significantly improve your quality of life.

A: No. People of all ages can experience hearing loss and benefit from hearing aids.

A: A full diagnostic assessment typically takes 45 minutes to an hour.

Book Your Diagnostic Hearing Assessment Today

If you suspect you or a loved one may have hearing loss, don’t wait. Early diagnosis is key to better outcomes. At Candice van Heerden Audiology, we offer caring, professional diagnostic hearing assessments at both our Bedfordview and Benoni practices.

Book your appointment today by calling 011 615 3047 or emailing candice@cvhaudiology.co.za. We’re here to help you hear clearly and confidently again.

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