The Ears

Key Notes:

Parts of the Ear:

• Outer Ear: Includes the ear canal and earlobe; it collects sound waves.

• Middle Ear: Contains the eardrum and three tiny bones (hammer, anvil, and stirrup) that amplify sound vibrations.

• Inner Ear: Contains the cochlea (which helps with hearing) and the semicircular canals (which help with balance).

How We Hear:

• Sound waves are collected by the outer ear and travel through the ear canal.
• The sound waves make the eardrum vibrate.
• The vibrations are passed through the middle ear bones to the cochlea in the inner ear.
• The cochlea converts vibrations into electrical signals, which are sent to the brain via the auditory nerve.

Function of the Ear:

• Hearing: Ears capture sound waves, convert them into signals, and send them to the brain.
• Balance: The semicircular canals in the inner ear help maintain body balance.

Protecting the Ears:

• Avoid loud noises to protect the eardrums.
• Clean ears gently and avoid inserting objects into the ear canal.
• Wear ear protection in noisy environments.

Hearing Loss:

• Causes of hearing loss include exposure to loud sounds, infections, and injuries.
• Hearing loss can be temporary or permanent depending on the damage.

Interesting Facts:

• Ears not only help in hearing but also play a key role in balance.
• Humans can hear sounds in the frequency range of 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz.

Let’s practice!