Kuulmisvõime

Kuulmisvõime, known in English as hearing ability, refers to the capacity to perceive sound. It is one of the five senses, allowing humans and other animals to detect vibrations in the air or other media. This process begins when sound waves enter the ear canal and cause the eardrum to vibrate. These vibrations are then transmitted through the middle ear bones to the cochlea, a fluid-filled structure in the inner ear. Inside the cochlea, specialized hair cells convert these mechanical vibrations into electrical signals that are sent to the brain via the auditory nerve. The brain then interprets these signals as sound.

The range and sensitivity of hearing vary significantly between species and individuals. Factors such as age, exposure to loud noises, and certain medical conditions can affect a person's hearing ability, leading to hearing loss. Hearing loss can range from mild difficulty in understanding speech to complete deafness. Audiology is the scientific study of hearing and related disorders, and audiologists are professionals who diagnose and treat hearing problems. Hearing aids and cochlear implants are among the technological aids used to assist individuals with hearing impairments. The ability to hear is crucial for communication, environmental awareness, and overall quality of life.