How does hearing work? |HearUSA
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Good hearing, good life

Laughter, jokes, juicy gossip about last night—our ears do so much for our happiness and well-being. Understanding how our hearing works and what we can do to protect our hearing health means less time worrying about missing out and more time focusing on what matters most.


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Hearing health basics

How does hearing work?

Our ears are an amazing engineering feat. The ear canal serves as a pathway for sound waves from the outer to the inner ear. Sound waves hit the eardrum, a cushion connected to three small bones that move when activated. These bones are linked to a pea-sized, snail-shaped structure filled with fluid and tiny hair cell bundles that translate sound into frequencies. The auditory nerve then carries these frequencies to the brain, where they are interpreted as sounds.
How human hearing works
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 and 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 aids will give you the pleasure of the sounds of nature
What you can do

Tips for better hearing

Whether it's adopting healthier habits or exploring hearing technologies, following these tips can enhance your hearing abilities and contribute to a more fulfilling and enjoyable lifestyle.
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Two ears, two aids

Why wear two hearing aids?

Learn about binaural hearing and how wearing two hearing aids can transform your listening experience.
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Stay informed

The latest trends

Find out if your current device is keeping pace with the latest innovations, or if it's time to consider upgrading to a newer model.
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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?

  • Earbud use
    If you want to do your ears a favor, reduce the amount of time you use earbuds to an hour a day, and make sure to turn down the volume. More than 1 minute of exposure to sound over 100 dB can cause permanent damage.

  • Your cardiovascular health
    Sufficient blood flow is essential for healthy ears. Proper circulation means your ears are being fed with the oxygen they need to function well. A healthy diet and regular exercise can help keep your body running like a well-oiled machine, including your ears.

  • The impact of bad habits
    Smoking and excessive drinking can both take a toll on your hearing health. These habits can slow the flow of oxygen to your ears, which, like we mentioned above, is essential for them to function properly.

  • Hearing protection
    Those hair cells found in the inner ear may be small, but they are mighty. Wearing hearing protection in noisy environments can help protect the integrity of those hair cells and prevent noise-induced hearing loss and damage to your hearing health.

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?

Improving hearing health together

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Hearing loss causes

What is causing my hearing loss? If you're asking this question, you're already pointed in the right direction.



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Hearing loss signs

It's time to skip the guessing game and get some answers. Once you know what to look for, you'll be even more empowered to find the solution that's best for you.
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Hearing loss treatment

Hearing health is one of the building blocks of a happy life. If you can understand how your hearing works and what you can do to protect it, you won't just be doing your ears a favor, you'll be boosting your overall health and well-being, too.

Talk to an expert in one of our hearing centers.

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