Who cares if barn owls retain their excellent hearing ability well into old age? We all should. Our ability to hear relies on small sensory cells in the inner ear, called “hair cells,” that convert sound vibration into electrical signals that are sent to the brain. Unfortunately, when these hair-like extensions become damaged due to loud noise, aging, or disease, they do not grow back. As a result, hearing is permanently lost. However, owls and other birds are able to regenerate hair cells, which helps them retain their hearing ability. If further research leads to the discovery of the mechanism by which barn owls replace dead hair cells, it may lead to new treatments for hearing loss in humans.
P.S. Sounds louder than 90 decibels will cause temporary damage to hair cells.
Research and technology continue to work toward enhancing the quality of life of the hearing impaired. We’d like to do our part by providing hearing screenings, coupled with the most advanced, comfortable, dependable instruments on the market today. At EAR & HEARING CLINIC, we can help with acoustic appraisal of your hearing ability, discussion of the listening devices available, and follow-up care and service of your hearing aid. As registered members of the College of Audiologists and Speech Language Pathologists of Ontario, we are among the highest qualified regulated hearing health care professionals in Canada. Call for an appointment at one of our three convenient locations.
