Outer ear
The visible part of the ear and the ear canal collect sound waves and direct them to the eardrum. Earwax is also produced here; it protects the skin of the canal.
Topics
Topics and conditions
Hearing is easiest to understand in four parts: how the ear works, what affects it every day, how children's hearing differs and which problems are most common. Each card leads to a section where the topic is covered in more detail.
The ear is not only an organ of hearing but also a delicate measuring instrument. Its cells cannot rest on their own, so it is up to us to give them a break.
How this section works: we describe how the ear works and everyday situations in which hearing needs protecting. We do not discuss diseases, name medicines or assess treatments — for any complaint, see an ENT doctor or an audiologist.
How hearing works
The ear has three parts, and each has its own job: to catch sound, amplify it and turn it into a signal for the brain.
Middle ear
Behind the eardrum are three tiny bones. They pass the vibrations on and amplify them slightly.
Inner ear
In the cochlea, hair cells turn vibrations into nerve signals. In humans, damaged hair cells do not recover, so it is important to look after them.
Hearing nerve and brain
The signal travels along the nerve to the brain, which recognises speech, music and where a sound is coming from. In the end, we hear with our brain.
Noise and headphones
Loud sound wears out the sensitive cells of the inner ear. Both how loud a sound is and how long it lasts matter.
Volume and time
The louder the sound, the less time you can listen to it without harm. Clear reference points are set out in the WHO–ITU standard.
Headphones on public transport
On a noisy train it is tempting to turn the sound up to drown out the rumble. That is exactly how the volume quietly creeps into the danger zone.
Concerts and clubs
Noisy venues put a heavy load on your ears in a single evening. Earplugs and breaks somewhere quiet noticeably reduce the risk.
Children and hearing
Children's hearing is more sensitive than adults', and a child cannot always tell you that something is too loud.
A stricter reference point
For children, the standard uses a reference of 75 dB(A) for 40 hours a week — lower than for adults.
Children's headphones and toys
It is worth checking loud toys and headphones without a volume limit yourself: hold them to your own ear and judge the sound.
Hearing tests for children
Children's hearing is checked at routine check-ups. If a child does not respond to their name or starts talking late, tell the doctor.
Hearing problems
Here are situations in which it is better not to wait but to see a specialist, along with tips on how to make decisions.
Ringing and noise in the ears
Brief ringing after a concert is a sign of overload. If the ringing lasts, keeps coming back or keeps you awake, see a doctor.
Sudden hearing loss
If you suddenly lose hearing in one or both ears, see a doctor urgently rather than waiting for it to pass on its own.
Earwax
There is no need to clean deep inside your ears with cotton buds: it is easy to push the wax further in. If an ear feels blocked, a doctor should examine it.
Complementary methods
If someone offers you an unusual way to “improve your hearing”, it helps to know which questions to ask before you decide.
Extra methods (in Russian)
Catalogue of articles in English
This is where we will gather standalone articles, written for English-speaking readers, about hearing, everyday noise and caring for your ears at every stage of life.
- GTA 6 Money Systems and Economy Explained: Player FAQ
What is confirmed about money in GTA 6, what GTA Online precedent suggests, and what to weigh before considering money boosting or any third-party service.
- ARC Raiders: Risk And Trade-Off Assessment for Players
How to weigh risk against reward in ARC Raiders raids, when to extract, what to bring, plus a checklist and tips for staying informed about game updates.
- Aion 2 weekly priorities: Player Guide and Key Considerations
A practical framework for planning your Aion 2 week: sorting PvE, PvP and progression goals, checking reset details in-game and keeping sessions sustainable.
- A closer look at Marvel Rivals placement matches: Consumer Decision-Making
How to think about ranked starts in Marvel Rivals, compare practical options and weigh the risks before paying for any service, with notes on checking rules.
Topics in progress
- Why your ears feel muffled after a loud night out
- Talking to teenagers about turning the volume down
- Quiet time: why your ears need regular breaks
- Everyday noise at home and simple ways to reduce it
- What to expect from a hearing test
- Keeping conversations easy with someone who has reduced hearing
Editorial rules
- Articles in this catalogue are written separately for each language version and are not translations.
- Some articles link to third-party websites, including gaming services; we do not control their content, prices or terms.
- We do not promote treatments or publish advertising for clinics, hearing aids or headphones, rankings, prices or reviews.
Read next
- Prevention
How to listen to music on headphones and spend time in noisy places without losing your hearing: a clear step-by-step plan.
- Methods
How hearing is tested, how it is protected and how specialists help people with reduced hearing.
- Glossary
Hearing words in plain language: from the eardrum and the decibel to audiometry.
- Questions
Questions about headphones, noise, children's hearing and hearing tests that are useful to ask your doctor.
Sources
- WHO — materials on safe listening and World Hearing Day
- Textbooks on the physiology of hearing
This guide summarises generally accepted information about hearing as of the date it was prepared. Recommendations from international organisations are updated from time to time, and decisions about your own hearing are made together with a doctor after an examination.