{"id":2401,"date":"2024-07-05T20:58:40","date_gmt":"2024-07-06T00:58:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/entnova.com\/?p=2401"},"modified":"2024-07-05T20:58:42","modified_gmt":"2024-07-06T00:58:42","slug":"understanding-the-inner-ear-and-its-role-in-hearing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/entnova.com\/understanding-the-inner-ear-and-its-role-in-hearing\/","title":{"rendered":"Understanding the Inner Ear and Its Role in Hearing"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The auditory system consists of the outer, middle and inner ear, each tirelessly working to deliver your favorite music, the soothing sound of wind rustling through the leaves at Long Bridge Park and more. However, if any part of this intricate system fails, it can lead to hearing loss<\/a>. Let’s explore the inner ear’s anatomy, understand how damage can cause hearing loss and discover how hearing aids can improve your communication clarity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Inner Ear\u2019s Auditory System<\/h2>\n\n\n
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The inner ear is divided into two critical components: the auditory system and the vestibular system. The vestibular system detects your body\u2019s position in space to help keep you balanced. The auditory system, consisting of the cochlea and auditory nerve, delivers sound.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The cochlea, a spiral-shaped, fluid-filled structure in the inner ear, is lined with approximately 18,000 tiny hair cells responsible for transmitting sound to the brain<\/a>. When sound enters the cochlea from the middle ear, it causes the fluid inside to move, which in turn stimulates these hair cells. This movement generates electrical signals that travel via the auditory nerve to the brain\u2019s temporal lobe, where they are interpreted as sound.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Does Inner Ear Hearing Loss Occur?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) is the most common type of permanent hearing loss<\/a> and originates in the inner ear. Causes of SNHL include aging, exposure to loud noises, genetics, certain illnesses and ototoxic medications (medications that can damage the auditory system). SNHL may develop suddenly or creep up over time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While many cases of SNHL cannot be prevented, such as those caused by aging or genetics, there are a few ways you can protect your hearing, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n