It transmits sound vibrations from the INCUS to the internal ear (Ear, Internal see LABYRINTH). Hearing loss gets either better or worse over time (fluctuating) or stays the same over time (stable). One of the three ossicles of the middle ear. Hearing loss worsens over time (progressive) or happens quickly (sudden). Hearing loss is the same in both ears (symmetrical) or is different in each ear (asymmetrical). The ossicles of the middle ear serve one primary function: to transfer the vibrations or sound waves from the outer ear to the inner ear for auditory transduction. Hearing loss happened before a person learned to talk (pre-lingual) or after a person learned to talk (post-lingual). Hearing loss is in one ear (unilateral) or both ears (bilateral). Occlusion of the Eustachian tube leads to the development of middle ear inflammation (otitis media). The function of this tube is to protect, aerate and drain the middle ear (and mastoid). The degree of hearing loss can range from mild to profound:Ī person with a mild hearing loss may hear some speech sounds but soft sounds are hard to hear.Ī person with a moderate hearing loss may hear almost no speech when another person is talking at a normal level.Ī person with severe hearing loss will hear no speech when a person is talking at a normal level and only some loud sounds.Ī person with a profound hearing loss will not hear any speech and only very loud sounds. Auditory tube: The tube that runs from the middle ear to the pharynx, also known as the Eustachian tube. For more information, visit the National Institute of Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. Hearing loss that occurs when sound enters the ear normally, but because of damage to the inner ear or the hearing nerve, sound isn’t organized in a way that the brain can understand. Hearing loss that includes both a conductive and a sensorineural hearing loss. Hearing loss that occurs when there is a problem in the way the inner ear or hearing nerve works. This type of hearing loss can often be treated with medicine or surgery. Hearing loss caused by something that stops sounds from getting through the outer or middle ear. The auditory pathway processes sound information as it travels from the ear to the brain so that our brain pathways are part of our hearing. This nerve sends sound information from the ear to the brain. the semicircular canals that help with balance.the snail shaped organ for hearing known as the cochlea.

three small bones called ossicles that send the movement of the eardrum to the inner ear.

the eardrum, sometimes called the tympanic membrane, which separates the outer and middle ear.

the part we see on the sides of our heads, known as pinna.

The brain then translates these electrical impulses as sound.A hearing loss can happen when any part of the ear or auditory (hearing) system is not working in the usual way. The auditory nerve sends these impulses to the brain. Once the sound waves reach the inner ear, they are converted into electrical impulses. They send the sound waves to the inner ear and into the fluid-filled hearing organ (cochlea). The vibrations are then passed to 3 tiny bones in the middle ear called the ossicles. When a sound is made outside the outer ear, the sound waves, or vibrations, travel down the external auditory canal and strike the eardrum (tympanic membrane). Semicircular canals.This contains receptors for balance. Vestibule.This contains receptors for balance. The eustachian tube is lined with mucous, just like the inside of the nose and throat.Ĭochlea.This contains the nerves for hearing. The eustachian tube helps to equalize the pressure in the middle ear. Equalized pressure is needed for the proper transfer of sound waves. The bones are called:Įustachian tube. A canal that links the middle ear with the back of the nose. Ossicles. Three small bones that are connected and transmit the sound waves to the inner ear. Middle ear (tympanic cavity), consisting of: The tympanic membrane divides the external ear from the middle ear. This is the tube that connects the outer ear to the inside or middle ear. This is the outside part of the ear.Įxternal auditory canal or tube.

The ear is the organ of hearing and balance.

Auditory ossicles function