gehoor

Gehoor is the perceptual sense by which many animals detect sound and identify its source, pitch, loudness, and timing. In humans, gehoor enables speech comprehension, environmental awareness, and social interaction. The term is used in Dutch to denote both the physiological capacity and the act of hearing.

Anatomy and process: Sound waves travel through the outer ear (pinna and ear canal) to the eardrum, causing vibrations that pass through the middle ear bones—the malleus, incus, and stapes. These bones amplify the signal and transmit it to the inner ear, where the cochlea converts mechanical energy into neural signals. Hair cells in the cochlea, along with the auditory nerve, relay information to the brain, where frequency, intensity, and timing are interpreted.

Hearing loss and disorders: Hearing impairment can be conductive (outer or middle ear problems), sensorineural (inner ear or auditory nerve damage), or mixed. Common causes include infections, earwax blockage, noise exposure, aging, trauma, and genetics. Tinnitus, vertigo, and speech recognition difficulties may accompany various conditions. Early detection and management are important for communication and development, especially in children.

Assessment and rehabilitation: Hearing ability is evaluated with audiometry and related tests; newborn screening is routine in many countries. Interventions include hearing aids for mild to moderate loss, cochlear implants for severe inner-ear loss, and other assistive devices. Preventive measures, such as ear protection and treatment of ear conditions, reduce risk and preserve function.

Societal and linguistic aspects: In Dutch medical and educational contexts, gehoor-related terms such as gehoorverlies (hearing loss) and gehoorapparaat (hearing aid) are common. Public health strategies emphasize protection, screening, and accessible communication to support individuals with diverse hearing needs.