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.
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 comprehensive hearing testing and evaluations, coupled with the most advanced, comfortable, dependable instruments on the market today. At BETTER HEARING CENTER, we can help with acoustic appraisal of your hearing ability by a Certified Clinical Audiologist, discussion of the listening devices available, and follow-up care and service of your hearing aid. As the only hearing center that has served the Concord, New Hampshire, area for more than 55 years, We are New Hampshire’s premier hearing care provider.
P.S. Sounds louder than 90 decibels will cause temporary damage to hair cells.