The Ear

Everyone knows the function of ears are, and that's to hear, but do you know what parts make up the ear?

There are three parts to the ear. The external ear includes the auricle or pinna and the external auditory canal to the tympanic membrance. The middle ear begins at the typanic membrance and ends at the oval window and includes the ear ossicles. The inner ear is composed of the labyrinth and contains the organ of Corti as well as perilymph and edolymph, the fluids of hearing. The semicircular canals are vestibule in the inner ear function in the equilibrium and balance of the body, sending impulses to the vestibular nerves, which brings information to the cerebrum (to your brain)  for interpretation. The outer ear collects sounds waves and channels then to the tympanic membrance, which then vibrates. The vibrations are amplified by the ear ossicles and enter the inner ear and cochlea. The movements of the hairs in the cochlea trigger nerve impulses that are transmitted by the auditory never to the brain. 

Aging causes the eardrum to shrink. The joints between the ossicles degenerate so there is less freedom of movement, which decrease in hearing acuity.

The types of hearing loss are conductive hearing lost which is the result of sound wave transmission interruption as with cerumen impaction and tumors or infections.

Another type is sensorineural hearing loss which is the result of nerve damage so that the brain cannot perceive sound waves as sounds. Also there is tinnitus, which is an abnormal constant ringing in your ears, suggests damage to the auditory nerve.