It’s easy to take for granted all the amazing things our ears let us experience. They let you enjoy our favorite music, hear your grandchildren laughing and playing at Waynedale Park and help keep you balanced and standing upright.
However, even though our ears play a vital role in our lives, there’s a lot most people don’t know about them. Let’s examine a few facts about your ears that you may find surprising.
Your Ear Contains the Smallest Bones in the Human Body
Your ear has the distinction of having the three smallest bones in the human body, which include the malleus, incus, and stapes. These bones work to help you hear by transmitting sound vibrations to the brain. If one or more breaks, it can lead to a type of hearing loss known as conductive hearing loss, where sound is blocked from moving through the outer or middle ear.
Gender May Affect Hearing
Women and men seem to have slightly different experiences when it comes to hearing and, in particular, hearing loss. Research has shown that women of all ages have a better ability to hear higher frequency or higher-pitched sounds (above 2000 Hz) than men. Conversely, as women age, they seem to struggle to hear lower frequency sounds more than men.
Hair Cells Help You Hear
Hair cells called stereocilia reside inside your inner ear and play a vital role in hearing. If these cells are damaged by aging, loud noise, certain medications or other factors, they cannot be regenerated. Permanent hearing loss can result from enough damage.
Earwax Helps Keep Your Ear Clean
Though many of us may associate earwax with ears being “dirty,” our ears are actually very adept at making sure we have the correct amount to protect our ears. Earwax catches dirt and debris to stop it from entering the inner ear. So, while it’s fine to wipe your ear gently with a washcloth when you bathe, avoid the urge to clean your ears out with a cotton swab as this can actually push earwax deeper into your ear canal, causing a blockage.
If you believe you have a blockage, visit an ENT for safe earwax removal.
Bottom Line
Your ears are an important and multifunctional part of your body. If you are experiencing symptoms such as ear pain, hearing loss or other concerning symptoms, call the experts at Ear, Nose & Throat Associates today to schedule an appointment.