UNDERSTANDING THE MIRACLE OF HEARING

How the Ear Works

The human ear is an extraordinary organ that allows us to experience the world through sound. There are three main parts to the ear. Here’s a closer look at how they work together.

By learning more about the mechanisms of hearing, you can make informed decisions about your ear health and take proactive steps to protect and enhance your auditory experience.

Outer Ear

CAPTURING SOUND WAVES

The journey of sound begins in the outer ear, which includes the visible part known as the pinna and the ear canal. The pinna collects sound waves from the environment and directs them into the ear canal, where they travel toward the eardrum. The shape of the pinna also helps to localize where sounds are coming from.

Middle Ear

AMPLIFYING & TRANSMITTING SOUND

Once sound waves reach the eardrum, they cause it to vibrate. These vibrations are then transferred to the tiny bones in the middle ear, known as the ossicles (malleus, incus, and stapes). These tiny bones amplify the vibrations and transmit them to the inner ear. The middle ear also contains the Eustachian tube, which helps equalize pressure on both sides of the eardrum.

Inner Ear

CONVERTING VIBRATIONS INTO NERVE SIGNALS

The inner ear, or cochlea, is a spiral-shaped, fluid-filled structure. When vibrations from the ossicles enter the cochlea, they create pressure waves in the fluid. These waves move through the cochlea, causing tiny hair cells to move. The movement of these hair cells generates electrical signals that are sent to the brain's auditory cortex via the auditory nerve.

Ears Never Rest

 Even when you're asleep, your ears are still working, detecting sounds. Your brain just ignores them so you can stay asleep!

Smallest Bones in the Body

The three tiny bones in your middle ear are the smallest bones in the human body, and they are essential for transmitting sound.

Ears Help with Balance

The inner ear contains the vestibular system, which helps control your balance and spatial orientation.

Over 500,000 Sounds

The human ear can distinguish between an incredibly wide range of sounds (over 500,000!), from the faintest whisper to loud music at concerts.

Sound Travels Faster Underwater

Sounds move about four times faster in water than in air, which is why underwater noises can seem louder or more immediate.

The Shape of Your Ear is Unique

Everyone’s ear shape is different, much like a fingerprint. This is why custom-fitted ear plugs and earmoulds offer such a perfect fit!