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