Hearing is a complex process that begins when sound waves enter the ear. These waves, which are vibrations in the air, first reach the outer ear, specifically the pinna, which helps to collect and direct the sound into the ear canal. The sound waves travel down the ear canal to the eardrum (tympanic membrane), causing it to vibrate.  

How the Cochlea Transforms Vibrations into Recognizable Sounds 

These vibrations are then transferred to the middle ear, where three tiny bones, known as the ossicles (the malleus, incus, and stapes), amplify the sound. The stapes transmits these vibrations to the cochlea in the inner ear, a fluid-filled structure shaped like a snail.   

The Impact of Hearing Impairment on Communication, Relationships, and Quality of Life 

Inside the cochlea are thousands of tiny hair cells that respond to the vibrations by creating chemical reactions and electrical signals. These signals travel along the auditory nerve to the brain. The brain processes and interprets these signals, allowing us to recognize different sounds, such as speech, music, or environmental noises.  

The Importance of Hearing in Daily Communication and the Need for Ear Health 

The hearing process is essential to communication in daily life and our ability to communication and our ability to interact with the world around us. Damage to any part of this system can affect hearing, which is why maintaining ear health is vital for preserving this sense. 

Chin Poh Ling, Customer Care Representative at 20dB Hearing Sibu