Hearing Issues - The Ear and How we Hear

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Sound travels through the ear canal to the eardrum setting it into vibration. These vibrations are transferred to three very small bones (hammer, anvil and stirrup) in the middle ear. When the stirrup vibrates, it causes movement of the fluid in the inner ear which stimulates the sensory cells for hearing. Stimulation of these sensory cells generates an electrical signal which travels to the brain via the auditory nerve. This is how the ear functions.

Hearing loss
Most hearing problems are caused by damage to the inner ear. This type of hearing problem is commonly called a sensorineural hearing loss or 'nerve deafness.' There are many causes of nerve deafness; however, the most common causes are exposure to loud noise and the aging process. When the inner ear or auditory nerve is damaged, a weak, distorted, and incomplete message is sent to the brain and understanding becomes difficult if not impossible. Nerve deafness is not medically curable, but if it is accompanied by ringing in the ears, dizziness or drainage from the ear, it is important to see a medical doctor at once.