One challenge I encountered during this inquiry project was when my second and third subquestions overlapped with each other. As I was starting my third round of research, I realized how my question was very similar to my last round, and that I would be researching the same information. As a result, I added a new aspect to my third round, where I concluded my information from round one and two, researched for more case studies on hearing and understanding sounds, and about Misophonia and its effects in society. Eventually, I was able to gather more insight on this topic and complete my last round of research.
This inquiry allowed me to understand more thoroughly about how the brain and ears work together, to allow us to hear and comprehend the world around us. Furthermore, I learned how the skin scratching sensation I feel all the time when hearing certain sounds is generated. I studied how the brain and ear are closely related to the formation of this feeling, and that it is a common experienced shared by many people.
While this investigation taught me exactly we hear and interpret sounds, I also learned how important it is for the ears to be able to do their full job in collect sounds. This is because with hearing loss, our brain will either be receiving incomplete signals and trying to fill in the holes, leading to fatigue, or it will no longer be stimulated because it does not hear sounds, leading to auditory deprivation. This knowledge will further motivate me to protect my ears in ways like not exposing them to loud sounds for a long period of time and not pushing cotton swabs in my ears with a great force.
This investigation has an impact locally and globally because of the condition it is closely related to, Misophonia. This is an illness where people have a strong dislike or hatred towards specific sounds that it affects their normal life. However, Misophonia is not an official diagnosis; therefore, people who suffer from its symptoms are unable to receive proper treatment. Since this project covers a wide range of knowledge, one of its possible local effects is to teach people to be more aware of how their own body is functioning. When people are more educated on this area, they will be able to recognize whether they are having a natural feeling or a reaction that is out of the “normal” zone; therefore, they may seek help in time if they notice something is wrong. Expanding into the global effect, if more people globally are educated in this area, more people who struggle with their responses to sounds can be helped. For instance, there may be more workshops, organizations, and lectures to help more people become aware of this topic. Ultimately, more attention to this area of knowledge will allow more attention on Misophonia, in hopes to turn it into an official diagnosis so those suffering from it can receive effective help.