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The Human Ear: How it Works and Tips for Protecting Your Hearing

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The Human Ear: How it Works and Tips for Protecting Your Hearing
29 May 2017, 15:26

We mentioned previously how our hearing may be affected with the passage of time, so we thought it appropriate to get into a bit more detail about the function and mechanics of the ear and the hearing process, with a view to providing more information that may benefit and extend the range and quality of the sense of sounds.

How the ear works

Our ears are a sensitive organ vulnerable to damage. They consist of three major parts; the outer ear which includes the appendage on either side of our skull which is connected to ducts that conduct sound waves to the middle ear containing the ear drum, hammer, anvil and stirrup also known as malleus, incus and stapes respectively.

The sound waves received by the outer ear are converted in the middle ear to vibrations and transmitted to the inner ear; which is a liquid filled tapering snail shell like shape, lined with nerve receptor hair cells, which convert the sound waves into impulses transmitted to the brain.

The inner ear is also responsible for our balance; problems within the inner ear may affect our ability to walk and stand; so our inner ear is in fact our own personal gyroscope.

A hearing study I was part of

Part of the induction process I participated in was in the sixties with a major New Zealand company which included a medical check-up and a hearing test. It was interesting to note as a teenager that I had already affected my hearing by engaging in motorcycling and shooting.

The tests picked up the frequencies that had been compromised, this raised my awareness at a young age of the effects of the kiwi lifestyle, I am sure the employer was just establishing a reference point that may be of some use in the future.

Some years later when I was involved with diesel engines I heard of another condition known as diesel deafness. This results from prolonged exposure of operators to the sounds generated by diesel engine combustion, those affected; earth moving machine operators, heavy haulage and marine diesel operators to name but a few.

How to look after your ear health

With this in mind, its important to take note of loud noises in our lifestyle and work environments, and protect ourselves from extreme noises before they cause harm.

You can also take natural supplements to help support the natural health of your ears. Some of the vitamins and minerals that can help your ear health include:

  • Folate
  • Other B vitamins
  • Carotenoids
  • Omega-3
  • Zinc
  • Magnesium
  • Ginseng
  • Coenzyme Q10

Hearing quality is directly related to the health of your ears. Take notice of loud sounds, consistently loud noises in your work or home environments, and look to support your ear’s natural health through healthy eating or natural health supplements.