The Amplitude of a soundwave is the measure of its size. This size determines how loud the sound is. The higher that the amplitude is the greater intensity of the sound. The frequency of a soundwave is the number of vibrations per second. The closer the waves are the higher the frequency. With a higher frequency the pitch of a sound is raised. People become hearing impaired when the inner ear is damaged. There are two types of hearing loss that have sub categories. Conductive hearing loss is caused by problems in outer or middle ear which prevent sound from being transmitted. Sensorineural is due to problem in cochlea this is the sensory part of the ear and can be affected at birth or acquired. This is not complete hearing loss. This can be from a variety of reasons such as exposure to loud noise, aging and toxins.
Noise induced hearing impairment (loud noise exposure).
The Hair cells within the cochlear are very sensitive and can be damaged by loud noise. The body is not able to replace or repair the hair cells, which results in partial or total hearing loss. This form of hearing impairment can be caused by a single instant of loud noise for example an explosion. It may also arise from prolonged exposure to loud noise consistently. Through this form sound becomes muffled over time.
Aging.
Hearing loss related to aging is referred to as presbycusis. This usually affects sounds of higher frequency. For example someone with presbycusis may be able to hear a train pass but not a chirping bird. This affects almost one third of adults between 65 and 75. It is usually caused by abnormalities in blood supply to ear due to high blood pressure.
Toxins.
Some chemical can damage the internal structure of the ear and result in hearing impairment. This is known as ototoxicity which means ear poisoning.
The only known aid for these forms of hearing impairment is a cochlear implant.
Scientific Understanding.
Spearheaded by professor Graeme Clark Melbourne researches during 1970s created the first bionic ear.
Culture plays a pervasive role in determining our beliefs and actions. Different societies make different assumptions about man and the universe, but within each society the great majority of the people conform unwittingly to the prevailing set of beliefs. Nobody has the ability to choose what cultu...
The fact that Cochlear implant, a device that "sends electrical signals directly to the nerves of the inner ear, via implanted electrodes with wires" (Issues and Controversies), is the only possible way for those profoundly deaf people to alter deafness and function in larger hearing societies is something that no one can deny. ... Cochlear is the snail-shaped coil in the inner part of the a ear which includes the site where "the sound receptors transform mechanical vibrations into nerve impulses (Graaff 521). ... Two years later, he performed the first permanent implantation of six electrode...