The ear is a surprisingly complex organ responsible for not only collecting and processing sounds and transmitting them to the brain for interpretation, but is also crucially involved in making sure your balance and motor skills are in synch. Many take hearing for granted, but understanding the process is the key to treating hearing loss.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Parts of the Ear and their Functions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The ear consists of three sections: the outer ear, middle ear and inner ear. Each plays an important role in hearing.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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OUTER EAR FUNCTION<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The outer ear<\/strong> is\ncalled the auricle or pinna. It is the external portion visible to others and\nis responsible for collecting sound waves and funneling them into the ear\ncanal. There, they are amplified and sent to the eardrum, causing it to\nvibrate.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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MIDDLE EAR FUNCTION<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The middle ear<\/strong>\nconsists of the auditory canal and tympanic membrane. When the eardrum\nvibrates, it stimulates movement of the ossicles, a trio of tiny bones. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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INNER EAR FUNCTION<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The inner ear<\/strong> contains the cochlea, a fluid-filled\nstructure where vibrations transmitted from the eardrum cause hair cells to\nmove. This movement is converted to electrical impulses that traverse up the\nauditory nerve to the brain. There, the brain interprets the electrical\nimpulses as sound and the hearing process is complete.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n