Ear functions
As amazing as it may sound, our ears keep us upright! The inner ear has two parts:
The vestibule is the organ that informs the brain about the position of the head. Its dysfunction leads to dizziness.
The cochlea (or spiral) transforms the sound vibrations transmitted by the eardrum and the ossicles into nerve impulses for the understanding of sounds by the brain.
Hearing is part of our 5 senses and, along with sight and smell, is the one that allows us to find our way around our environment. Thus, thanks to the sight, a person can identify the place where he is: in a mall, a forest or in town, hear if a car is approaching or spot a group of individuals chatting. Thanks to the smell, she can tell if the place is clean or dirty. These three senses therefore make it possible to contextualize what is happening all around the person.
Hearing also has effects on consciousness, sleep and affectivity.
Hearing loss
The causes of hearing loss can be multiple. They can be linked to exposure to loud and persistent noises, infections such as ear infections, systemic illnesses such as diabetes or hypertension, and ototoxic substances such as lead, alcohol and certain antibiotics.
But the main cause is the natural aging of the auditory system which manifests itself after the age of fifty. It is presbycusis. The activity of hair cells located in the cochlea gradually decreases or even ceases to function. High-pitched sound frequencies are the most attenuated. They are necessary for the correct understanding of the words. The syllables are less precise and the impression of hearing without understanding well is felt. These are the first symptoms.
Presbycusis is not a disease, but a natural wear and tear of the hearing system for which there are solutions.
The other main cause of hearing loss is sound trauma. The human ear is increasingly called upon by the sounds of the urban lifestyle. These sound intensifications are therefore the leading non-medical cause of hearing loss.
Hearing tests.
Hearing tests
If you have any doubts about your hearing or the hearing of a loved one, there are several solutions to have their hearing tested for free:
Online test: You can test your hearing online for free. However, it does not replace a hearing assessment * in the center but allows you to find out about your hearing situation.
Free hearing assessment * at the center: you can make an appointment at any time to have a free hearing assessment * at the The Hearing Matters hearing based in Rawalpindi Pakistan. Take the opportunity to ask all your questions to your hearing care professional, he will be able to reassure you about your situation and offer you the most appropriate solutions.
