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Hearing Support Q&A with Dr. Emily Taylor
Jun 16, 2024
Hearing Support Q&A with Dr. Emily Taylor
Introduction
Dr. Emily Taylor, Audiologist
Answering Twitter questions about ears and hearing
How Do Ears Work?
Pinna
: Funnels sound waves into the ear canal
Ear Canal
: Transmits sound waves to the eardrum
Eardrum
: Vibrates in response to sound waves
Middle Ear
: Contains the ossicles (three smallest bones)
Ossicles
: Amplify vibrations and send them to the inner ear
Cochlea
: Fluid-filled, tonotopically organized; converts vibrations to electrical signals
Auditory Nerve
: Transmits signals to the brain for sound processing
Ear Infections
More common in children but occur in adults
Types
: Outer ear infection (Swimmer's Ear) due to bacteria and moisture
Prevention
: Keep ears dry (towel, natural drainage, low-setting blow dryer)
Ear Candling
Dangerous and ineffective
Claims to remove earwax by creating a suction with a lit candle
Results from candle residue, not ear debris
No actual suction and involves fire risk
Apple’s Conversation Boost
Provides directional microphone to amplify speech from the front
Not a replacement for hearing aids
Mixed reviews on effectiveness
How Do Hearing Aids Work?
Sophisticated devices, not basic amplifiers
Tailored to individual’s hearing loss
Components: Microphone, chip (with sample mapping), amplifier, speaker
Features: Bluetooth compatibility, signal-to-noise ratio adjustment
Aim: Improve speech clarity in noise
Purpose of Earwax
Antimicrobial, hydrates skin, protects against debris
Self-cleaning mechanism
Avoid inserting objects; use visual otoscope or see a professional
Cleaning Ears
Q-tips
: Not recommended; push wax deeper
Safe Methods
: Wax softening drops, warm water flushes, professional help
Decibels
Measures intensity/loudness of sound
Audiograms measure hearing at different decibel levels
Ear Protection at Concerts
Loud environments can damage hearing
Use decibel meter apps to monitor sound levels
Recommended exposure times at various decibel levels
Noise exposure causes hearing loss and tinnitus; protect ear hair cells
Hearing Tests
Components: Otoscopy, Tympanometry, Beep test (measures softest audible sounds)
QuickSIN Test
: Measures difficulty in background noise
Tinnitus
Causes: Noise exposure, infections, stress
No cure, but hearing aids can mask it
Ears and Balance
Semicircular Canals
: Detect gravity and movement
Vertigo
: Often caused by dislodged ear crystals
Professional treatment recommended for vertigo
Frequency Range of Hearing
Humans: 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz
Common high-frequency hearing loss due to aging (presbycusis)
Ear Drum Bursting on Planes
Can occur due to pressure changes, especially with sinus infections
Prevention: Avoid flying when sick, consult ENT physician
Severe Hearing Loss
Consult audiologist for proper diagnosis and referral
Types of hearing loss may require medication or surgery
Cochlear Implants
Bypass unhealthy ear parts, stimulate auditory nerve directly
Sound often perceived as tinny or robotic
Requires follow-up and therapy
Yanny vs. Laurel Phenomenon
Perception influenced by frequency range listened to (Yanny: high, Laurel: low)
Hearing Aid Industry
Importance of finding a trustworthy audiologist
Avoid too-good-to-be-true advertisements
Conclusion
Emphasize ear protection and proper care
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