Insights
Insights about hearing
Plain-English explainers about how hearing works, why hearing matters, and how research may shape future diagnosis, treatment, accessibility and care.
This page is still under construction. Not all links will work yet while we build the first set of articles, resources and videos.
Explore our hearing insights
Start with one of the six topic areas below. Each section will grow over time.
How hearing works
The journey of sound from outer ear to brain — explained simply.
- Why study the hearing system?
- How hearing works: from sound waves to the brain
- The outer, middle and inner ear: what each part does
- What is the cochlea? A simple guide to the inner ear
Hearing loss
Types of hearing loss, tinnitus, and other common ear conditions.
- Why it is important to think about our hearing
- What is hearing loss? A simple guide
- Conductive, sensorineural and mixed hearing loss: what do they mean?
- What is tinnitus? Why people hear ringing, buzzing or hissing
Accessibility
Communication, access and inclusion for hard of hearing and Deaf communities.
- Accessibility tips for inclusive communication
- What is New Zealand Sign Language?
- Captions, transcripts and visual information
- Making schools, workplaces and events more accessible for hard of hearing and Deaf communities
Diagnosis & treatment
How hearing is tested, current support options, and future therapies being developed through research.
- Future therapies for hearing loss: what researchers are working toward
- How hearing is tested: audiometry and audiograms
- Current treatment options: hearing aids, cochlear implants and support
- Why inner-ear medicines are hard to deliver
Young learners
For kids, teachers and schools — accessible activities and ear science.
- Ear, cochlea and tiny special cells for hearing
- Experiment: bone conduction vs air conduction hearing
- Experiment: sound is a vibration
- Maze: how sound travels
Resources & video
Downloadable resources and short videos explaining hearing, research and our work.
- Downloadable: What hearing researchers do
- Downloadable: About the cochlea
- Video: Why study hearing?
- Video: What is a cochlea?
Taringa Insights provides educational information, not clinical advice. If you have personal concerns about your hearing or balance, please contact a qualified health professional such as a GP, audiologist, or ENT specialist.