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