Nowadays wherever you see, most people are seen wearing headphones, earphones or pods. Some use them to listen to songs, while others use them to watch movies or shows. But this small habit can push you towards deafness at a young age.

Dr Deepak Murthy, ENT Consultant, Manipal Hospital Goa, explained how excessive use of headphones or listening to songs at high volume can cause deafness.

Three parts of the ear

Our ears are made up of three parts: outer ear, middle ear, and inner ear. All three have their own functions in hearing and maintaining balance.

Outer ear: The part that we see in the outer ear is called the pinna and ear hole. It collects sound waves and sends them to the eardrum.

Middle ear: This part is just behind the eardrum, it has three small bones that amplify sound vibrations and transmit them to the inner ear. Problems like otitis media can occur here due to cold and infection.

Inner ear: This part is very important for both hearing and balance. Here is the cochlea, which has hair-like cells that transmit sound vibrations to the brain. There is also the vestibular system here which helps us to maintain balance.

How does which part get damaged?

While the middle ear is more affected by cold and infection, loud noise can damage the inner ear. Loud noise can damage the cells inside the cochlea. These cells are very important for hearing, and once damaged, they cannot be repaired again.

Symptoms of ear damage

Symptoms of inner ear damage include fullness in the ears, tinnitus (ringing sound in the ears), and dizziness.

How is the test done?

Deafness is tested with an audiogram. This test tells how much a person can hear different frequencies and loud sounds. This gives information about the damage to the hearing ability.

How to prevent deafness?

To avoid deafness, we should stay away from loud noises. Take care of the volume while using earphones or headphones. In a loud environment like a concert or factory, one should always use ear protection methods like ear plugs or earmuffs. Many ear devices come with a certain amplification level for protection so that the ears are not damaged. These guidelines should be followed to keep the ears safe.

Treatment of deafness

Many methods can be adopted to treat deafness. Some vitamins are good for ear health and can help restore hearing ability. In some cases, steroids are given to reduce inflammation and help in recovery. If the deafness has become permanent, then it is advisable to use a hearing aid or other similar device.

Overall, the ear is a complex organ whose different parts work together to help us hear and maintain balance. To keep the ears healthy, avoid loud noises, use ear protection methods and follow the safety rules for ear devices. If deafness occurs, consult a doctor as soon as possible and get the right treatment.