How Hearing Works

The auditory system is extremely complicated as a variety of functions must work together in order to enable effective hearing. Coastal Hearing Care explains below how hearing works.

Here's How Hearing Works

Sound travels through the air as sound waves from all around us and the sound waves are collected by the outer ear. The pinna (auricle) is the visible part of the outer ear and has grooves and ridges that heightens sounds in the 2000-3000 Hz frequency range along with the ear canal. This is the area where numerous consonant sounds of speech are recognized. The sound waves are then sent down the ear canal to the eardrum.

The eardrum (tympanic membrane) separates the outer and middle ear. Since it is a very slim membrane, there are three layers to escalate its strength. The eardrum then vibrates as a result of the sound waves and triggers movement of the ossicles. The ossicles are the three miniscule bones that create a linked chain in the middle ear. They reinforce the strength of mechanical vibrations and diffuse them into the inner ear. The fluid in the inner ear called the cochlea is shifted by the activity of the three bones.

The inner ear is a biological structure that is situated deep down in the temporal bone. The cochlea is a fluid-filled hearing organ of the inner ear that is arranged by frequency. When the fluid in the inner ear shifts, it results in the flexing of the sensory cells called hair cells. The hair cells change the mechanical vibrations into electrical impulses. These electrical impulses are transmitted to the hearing (auditory) nerve and up to the brain, where they are interpreted as sound.

Coastal Hearing Care is a well-trusted establishment that meets our clients’ individualized needs. Our staff is professional, knowledgeable, and accommodating. We are located at 5860 Ranch Lake Boulevard in Lakewood Ranch. Please call us at 941-229-2122 to schedule an appointment for a consultation