HEAR & NOW

The delicate, bristly cells that line the snail-shaped chamber of the inner ear (cochlea) known as hair cells are responsible for converting incoming sound waves into the electrical impulses that the brain uses to create our perception of sound. However, hair cells are vulnerable to noise. Simply listening to an hour of blaring rock music can wither thousands of hair cells for the rest of an afternoon. Fortunately, they often revive, along with hearing. On the other hand, a single explosive blast louder than 160 decibels can instantly destroy hair cells by splitting open the membranes upon which they sit. More commonly, prolonged exposure to milder levels of noise has a cumulative effect that may result in permanent hearing loss. As hair cells bend in response to detecting sound, much like a field of wheat bends in the wind, internal changes in the hair cells create electrical signals that go to the brain. Our hearing is very precious. We should protect our hearing when we are exposed to loud sounds and monitor our hearing periodically through audiometric exams. To schedule an audiometric exam, call Accura Audiology at 716-6330721. We are located at 6645 Main St., Suite B, Williamsville, where Better Hearing is Better Living.