Sounds are vibrations in the air that our ears collect, vibrating the eardrum and a chain of tiny bones. This triggers electrical signals in the cochlea, which are then sent to the brain that are recognized as the sounds we hear.

More than just hearing the sound, good hearing plays a critical role in overall health, keeping our brains active and promoting social connections that contribute to well-being.

What does shopping around for hearing aids involve?

There are three kinds of hearing loss. Conductive hearing loss is caused by problems in the outer or middle ear. Sensorineural hearing loss happens when the inner ear or hearing nerve is damaged. Mixed hearing loss combines features of both conductive and sensorineural loss.

Hearing loss can sneak up on you. It might start with a missed word here or a turned-up TV volume there. But left unchecked, it can impact your social life, work, and overall well-being. The good news is hearing loss is often treatable, especially if you catch it early.

Our sense of hearing is a gift that allows us to connect with the world around us. Unfortunately, it's also vulnerable to damage from loud noises, trauma, and certain medications. Here are some ways to prevent hearing loss.