Monitoring your decibel intake for a lifetime of sound hearing

by Dr. Adam Seigers, Medical Health Contributor

The hearing system is comprised of three main regions or parts. The outer ear, which consists of the ear canal and ear drum, is the first part.

Moving internally to the middle ear, the eardrum is connected to several tiny bones called ossicles.

These tiny bones conduct sound to the inner ear where a seashell shaped structure called the cochlea is found.

This structure converts movement of the ossicles into electrical signals which can be interpreted by the brain.

When we think about hearing loss it can be divided into two main types: sensorineural and conductive.

Sensorineural hearing loss damages the nerve pathways in the inner ear.It is the most common type of hearing loss, caused by aging, medications, illness or loud noise and is not reversible.

In contrast, conductive hearing loss occurs when sound is not conducted through the outer ear or through the small bones called ossicles found in the middle ear.

This type of hearing loss can be related to fluid in the ears from infection or allergy, a dysfunctional ear drum, impacted wax or other causes.

Using special tests in the office and via examination of the ears, your doctor can discern between these two types of hearing loss.

A special test called an audiogram is recommended for individuals with suspected abnormalities.

An audiogram qualifies the type and quantifies the degree of hearing loss.

It is important to recognize that everyday sounds contribute to hearing loss and to wear appropriate hearing protection.

Sounds are rated in what is referred to as a decibel system.

The higher the number the louder the sound.

Sounds rated at greater than 85 decibels cause hearing loss.

Take for instance the sounds made by busy traffic, an alarm clock, a blow drier, kitchen blender, hand drill, lawnmower, chainsaw or MP3 player.

All are rated at greater than 85 decibels.

Even chronic exposure to low level noise referred to as “grey noise” can result in changes to hearing.

For more information or to be screened for hearing loss please contact your primary care provider.

Dr. Adam Seigers is a physician with Faxton St. Luke’s Adirondack Community Physicians (ACP) Boonville Medical Offices on Route 12.

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