Hearing health
How our sense of hearing works
Looking after your hearing means looking after your quality of life. Here we explain simply how we hear, what can damage our ears and when it’s a good idea to have a check-up.
An essential sense
What is hearing?
Hearing is one of our most important senses. It allows us to communicate, enjoy music, recognise the sounds around us and stay alert to possible danger.
It also plays a key role in language development, learning and social relationships.
Step by step
How do we hear?
From the moment sound reaches the ear until the brain interprets it, everything happens in milliseconds.
Sound waves
Sound travels through the air and reaches the outer ear.
Outer ear
The waves are directed to the eardrum, which vibrates as they arrive.
Middle ear
The hammer, anvil and stirrup amplify and pass on the vibrations.
Cochlea
Its sensory cells turn the vibrations into electrical impulses.
Auditory nerve
The impulses travel from the inner ear to the brain.
Brain
It interprets the impulses as sounds, voices or music.
The cochlea is a spiral-shaped, fluid-filled organ in the inner ear. Thousands of sensory cells inside it convert vibrations into signals the brain can understand.
Quality of life
Why good hearing health matters
Hearing well makes communication easier, improves performance at school and at work, and helps you take part in social life.
Hearing loss, on the other hand, can make conversations hard to follow, lead to social isolation and even affect emotional wellbeing.
Why it happens
Main causes of hearing loss
Hearing loss can have many causes. Detecting any change early is key to applying the right treatment and minimising its impact.
Ageing
The natural wear of the ear over the years.
Loud noise
Prolonged exposure to high noise levels.
Infections
Ear infections or diseases.
Genetic factors
A family history of hearing loss.
Injuries
Knocks or injuries affecting the ear.
Medicines
Some medicines can affect hearing.
Prevention
How to look after your hearing
Healthy habits help protect your hearing throughout your life.
Avoid loud noise
Don’t expose yourself to intense sounds for long periods.
Wear ear protection
In noisy places, at work or during leisure activities.
Moderate volume
Keep a sensible volume when using headphones.
Nothing in your ear
Don’t put objects into the ear canal.
Regular check-ups
Especially if there is a family history or you notice difficulty hearing.
Warning signs
When should you see a specialist?
A hearing check detects any change early so you can get the right professional advice.
A hearing assessment is advisable if you notice:
- Difficulty understanding conversations
- Needing to turn up the TV or phone
- Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
- A blocked feeling in the ears
- Trouble following conversations in noise
Your hearing wellbeing is our priority
Prevention and early detection make the difference
If you have any concerns about your hearing or would like a check-up, talk to our team and take the first step towards better hearing health.