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The ear is a marvel of economy. Few organs in the body accomplish as much as the ear in such a small space. To duplicate your ear's functions, engineers would have to install a sound system capable of equalizing a wide range of input, a mobile relay and amplification unit, a multichannel transducer, a system to maintain the hydraulic balance in the inner ear, and a two-way messaging system-all in about 16 cubic
centimeters.
More than 200,000 Americans are deaf and more than three million have hearing problems. Hearing loss can result from loud noises,infections, head injuries, brain damage, or genetic diseases.
In addition to hearing, your ears are responsible for your sense of balance.
The movement of fluid in the semicircular canals of your ear is brain's way of tracking where you are. If you move your head up or down, the fluid connects with certain hair cells that tell the brain you're moving your head up or down.
If you have a balance disorder, you have a problem maintaining your orientation. Your brain receives conflicting signals. You may suffer from vertigo (spinning); a feeling of falling; lightheadedness; visual blurring, or disorientation. Some people will experience mild symptoms, while others may experience nausea, vomiting, changes in heart rate, fear, or panic.
For more information about hearingproblems or balance problems and treatments available at UI Hospitals and Clinics, call UI Health Access, 319-384-8442, ext. 105, or 800-777-8442, ext. 105.
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Decibel force
Loudness is measured in decibels-the force of the sound waves against the eardrum. The louder the sound, the more force, the higher the decibel rate. Over time, loud noises can cause a loss or decrease in hearing.
Where do the sounds in your life rate?
| Source |
Decibels |
Normal breathing
Mosquito
Whispe |
10
20 (quiet)
30
|
Refrigerator
Normal speech
Laughter
Vacuum cleaner
City traffic |
40
50
60
70
80 |
(Prolonged exposure to noise above 90 decibles can cause hearing loss.) |
Train
Rock band
Thunder
Jet takeoff |
100
110-140
120
130 |
For more information:
Listed above are several Web sites that offer additional
information on this topic. University of Iowa Health Care
does not sponsor or endorse these sites, or guarantee the
accuracy of the information contained on these sites. These
links are here for general information only, and should not
be used for personal diagnosis or treatment. If you have any
questions, please contact UI
Health Access.
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