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The Journey Of Sound
From sound waves to the brain,
how does listening actually happen?
Acoustic Transmission Medium
In physics, sound is a vibration that propagates as an acoustic wave through a transmission medium such as a gas, liquid, or solid. In human physiology and psychology, sound is the brain's reception and perception of such waves.
Sound is a mechanical wave and therefore requires a material or medium for its propagation. Sound cannot travel through a vacuum, as there are no particles present to undergo vibration.
Only acoustic waves with frequencies ranging from 20 Hz to 20 kHz ( the audible frequency range ) can trigger auditory perception in humans.
The Four Steps of Sound Transmission
2. The vibrations move from the eardrum to the ossicles – tiny solid bones in the middle ear. These bones then transmit the vibrations to the cochlea, located in your inner ear.
Sound Wave
( Air Transmission )
4. The brain receives these neural signals and translates them into auditory perception.
3. The tiny hair cells inside the fluid‑filled cochlea vibrate and send signals to your auditory nerve – the nerve that connects your ear to your brain.
1. Sound waves travel through the ear canal and reach the eardrum (Tympanic Membrane), a solid structure, causing it to vibrate.
Common Obstacles to Sound Transmission
Middle‑ear region: The sound amplification function of the middle ear deviates from the normative state.
Inner ear region: The sensory function of the inner ear for acoustic signals deviates from the normative state.
Neural conduction: The pathway for neural signal transmission deviates from the normative state.
External auditory region: Anatomical configuration deviates from the normative state, or the outer ear area exhibits heightened sensitivity.
Tympanic membrane: Tympanic membrane permeability deviates from the normative state.
Common Factors that Affect Sound Reception
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Natural aging : With advancing age, the cochlear hair cells and auditory nerve fibres may undergo progressive degeneration, representing a common physiological change.
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Environmental factors : Chronic exposure to elevated ambient noise levels may adversely affect auditory cells.
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Physical conditions : Certain systemic or local conditions may temporarily or persistently compromise the sound transmission pathway.
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Physical trauma : Head injuries or impact trauma may damage the tympanic membrane or ossicular chain.
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Pharmacological effects : Certain medications may exert ototoxic effects on the auditory system.
Early Signs of Listening Difficulties
If you or your family notice any of the following, it may indicate that sound reception is changing.
🔔 Missing everyday sounds : Often fail to hear the doorbell or phone ringing.
👤 No response when called from behind : Frequently don't hear or react when someone calls you from behind.
🍵 Difficulty in noisy environments : Struggle to follow conversations in restaurants or at social gatherings.
📞 Trouble on the phone : Often can't make out what the other person is saying; need to see the speaker to understand.
📺 TV volume too loud : Family members frequently ask you to turn down the TV or radio.
🗣️ Needing repetition : Often feel that others are mumbling and need them to repeat themselves.
👂 Ringing in the ears : Hear buzzing or ringing sounds in your ears in quiet environments.
🎵 Changes in music perception : Familiar music no longer sounds the way it used to.
How Listening Difficulties May Affect Daily Life
Listening is how we connect with the world. Changes in sound reception can affect many aspects of daily life:
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Social engagement : Difficulty following conversations may gradually lead to reduced social participation.
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Psychological impact : Communication challenges can cause frustration and affect self‑confidence.
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Physical fatigue : Straining to hear for extended periods can lead to tiredness and exhaustion.
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Environmental awareness : Reduced perception of surrounding sounds may affect balance and alertness.
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Cognitive load : The brain has to work harder to process sound, potentially affecting other cognitive resources.
World Health Organization Data
According to the World Health Organization (WHO) :
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Among individuals aged 65 and above, approximately 35% experience varying degrees of changes in sound reception.
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However, only about 13% of older adults with listening difficulties consistently use conventional audio devices.
The Situation in Hong Kong :
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In Hong Kong, the population aged 65 and above is projected to increase from 1.45 million in 2021 to 2.74 million in 2046. A 2020 report by The Lancet identified hearing conditions as one of the factors affecting cognitive function. The WHO (2012) has designated cognitive health as a public health priority.
Common Challenges from A Global Perspective
Why Do So Many People Avoid Conventional Hearing Devices?
According to surveys, the main reasons people avoid using conventional audio devices include:
💰 Cost : High prices put them out of reach for many.
🎧 Sound quality : Poor audio performance fails to deliver clear reception.
🗣️ Noisy environments : Performance suffers in crowded or loud settings.
📢 Noise interference : Excessive ambient and electronic noise make them unbearable.
😣 Discomfort : Pain and irritation make people want to stop using them.
🔋 Battery life : Short battery life requires frequent changes.
🔘 Complex controls : Tiny buttons and complicated operation are hard for seniors to manage.
🛠️ Maintenance : Regular upkeep and repairs are inconvenient.
👓 Appearance : The medical‑device look creates a psychological barrier for some.
Dai3mimi: Developed to address the limitations of traditional devices.
How does Dai3mimi create a new path for sound?
The content on this page is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for medical diagnosis or advice. If you have any medical concerns, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.