Happy World Hearing Day! The WHO created this day to raise awareness on how to prevent hearing loss and promote ear/hearing care across the world. Each year WHO picks a different theme and created evidence-based advocacy materials.
This year the theme is “Hearing Care for All”. 

As an audiologist one of the most common responses I hear from family, friends, and strangers is “I’m too young to have hearing loss”. I also hear often “I am not old enough to wear hearing aids”. I hate that in 2021 this stigma still exists! In today’s society, you do not hear anyone saying “I’m too young to wear glasses”. In fact, glasses have become a fashion trend for many! Organizations like WHO and hearing healthcare professionals, like myself are working hard to change the outdated stigma associated with hearing loss and hearing aids.

PSA: Hearing loss can affect anyone at any age

Early detection of hearing loss and intervention is essential.
The audiologist in me is itching for a bit of education today! Below I will be reviewing basic ear anatomy and the 3 types of hearing loss

Basic Ear Anatomy

The ear is made up of 3 sections: The Outer, middle, and inner ear.

The outer ear: the most visible portion is called the Pinna or earlobe

The middle ear: it is made up of the tympanic membrane (ear drum), the ossicular chain, and the eustachian tube.

Were you aware that the 3 smallest bones in the human body can be found within the middle ear. These bones are referred to as the ossicular chain

The inner ear: contains structures responsible for hearing and balance. These structures include the semi-circular canals (balance), the cochlea, and the cochlear/auditory nerve.

Types of Hearing Loss

A conductive hearing loss occurs when the outer and/or middle ear structures fail to properly conduct sound waves to the inner ear.

Sensorineural hearing loss occurs when there is damage to the inner ear, the auditory nerve or damage in the central processing centers of the brain.

Sound information may or may not make it to the brain. If the electrical impulses to make it to the brain, the information may be distorted, inaccurate or incomplete.

Mixed hearing loss is a combination of both conductive and sensorineural components.

What are some of the effects of untreated hearing loss?

Hearing loss can have a negative effect on an individual’s ability to communicate.

Hearing loss can also have a negative effect on an individual’s social and emotional well-being.
This includes but is not limited to the following:

• Fatigue
• Tension
• Stress
• Irritability
• Withdrawal from social settings
• Social rejection
• Embarrassment
• Loneliness

Did you know hearing loss can also have a direct effect on your overall health?

Key Take-Aways from World Hearing Day

•  Good hearing and communication are essential at all stages of life.
• Hearing loss and other related ear diseases can often be avoided through preventative actions.
• Early intervention is crucial
• People at risk of hearing loss should check their hearing regularly.
•  People with hearing loss (or related ear diseases) should seek routine care from a hearing healthcare provider.
  
  

Disclaimer: all above opinions are my own.

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