Our ears are an amazing engineering feat. The ear canal serves as a pathway for sound waves from the outer to the inner ear. Sound waves hit the eardrum, a cushion connected to three small bones that move when activated. These bones are linked to a pea-sized, snail-shaped structure filled with fluid and tiny hair cell bundles that translate sound into frequencies. The auditory nerve then carries these frequencies to the brain, where they are interpreted as sounds.

When a shout or noise comes from behind you, you may not realize it, but your head turns automatically to the source of the sound. This is called directional hearing.

Directional hearing is our own private GPS of sound. It happens when both ears work in harmony and is one of the many reasons why hearing aids come in pairs—one for each ear. Having a balance of sound and the ability to distinguish right from left and forward or behind helps you stay aware of your surroundings and communicate more effectively.

Do you have trouble pinpointing sound? 

Hearing is a beautiful thing. Not only is it essential for how we connect with the world around us, it plays a major role in our mental health, too. After all, it feeds our brains with glorious stimulation. So, what can you keep in mind when it comes to taking care of yourself and, ultimately, your hearing health?

• Earbud use
  If you want to do your ears a favor, reduce the amount of time you use earbuds to an hour a day, and make sure to turn down the volume. More than 1 minute of exposure to sound over 100 dB can cause permanent damage.
  
  
• Your cardiovascular health
  Sufficient blood flow is essential for healthy ears. Proper circulation means your ears are being fed with the oxygen they need to function well. A healthy diet and regular exercise can help keep your body running like a well-oiled machine, including your ears.
  
  
• The impact of bad habits
  Smoking and excessive drinking can both take a toll on your hearing health. These habits can slow the flow of oxygen to your ears, which, like we mentioned above, is essential for them to function properly.
  
  
• Hearing protection
  Those hair cells found in the inner ear may be small, but they are mighty. Wearing hearing protection in noisy environments can help protect the integrity of those hair cells and prevent noise-induced hearing loss and damage to your hearing health.