Structure of the Ear

The ear is divided into three main sections: the outer ear, the middle ear, and the inner ear.

The Outer Ear

Comprises the pinna (auricle) and the external auditory canal.
The pinna collects sound waves and funnels them into the external auditory canal.
The sound waves travel down the external auditory canal and hit the tympanic membrane (ear drum), causing it to vibrate.

The Middle Ear

Includes the tympanic cavity and three tiny bones known as ossicles.
These three bones are the malleus (hammer), incus (anvil), and stapes (stirrup).
When the eardrum vibrates, it moves the ossicles. They amplify the sound vibrations and send them to the oval window, a small membrane-covered opening that leads to the inner ear.

The Inner Ear

Comprises the cochlea and semicircular canals, which are both filled with fluid.
The cochlea, designed like a snail’s shell, is responsible for converting mechanical sound vibrations into electrical signals, which are then transmitted to the brain via the auditory nerve.
The semicircular canals play a pivotal role in maintaining our equilibrium or sense of balance.

Understanding the structure of the ear and its function in hearing and balance is crucial in Health and Social Care. It allows for a clear understanding of auditory disorders and their impact, such as hearing loss, tinnitus and balance disorders.