Glossary
The Ear comprises of three different parts: the outer ear, the middle ear and the inner ear.Ear canal: A hollow tube called the ear canal which leads to the ear-drum. The ear canal channels sound to the ear drum.
Ear drum: A sheet of skin-like membrane. Sound waves travelling down the ear canal cause changes in air pressure and the ear drum vibrates. Ear wax in the ear canal helps trap dirt that would otherwise collect around the ear drum.
Middle ear: Like a hollow cave. It comprises three vibrating bones of the ear: hammer, anvil and stirrup.
Hammer and Anvil: One end of the hammer is attached to the ear drum, and the other end is joined to the anvil. When the ear-drum vibrates, it causes the hammer to vibrate. Vibration of the hammer is then passed on to the anvil.
Stirrup: Vibration of the anvil causes the stirrup to vibrate. The stirrup, in turn, causes another membrane, called the oval window, to vibrate.
Oval window: This membrane in the wall of the cochlea marks the beginning of the inner ear.
Inner ear: The inner ear consists of the semi-circular canals, the vestibule and the cochlea.
Cochlea: The cochlea has three tubes which are coiled up like a snail's shell at one end.
Semi-circular canals: Located at the rear section of the inner ear, these semi-circular canals are sensitive to head movements. These canals help you to keep your balance. The semi-circular canals contain fluid and hairs. When you move your head, the fluid moves and the sensitive hairs let the brain know what has happened so that you can keep your balance.
Vestibule: A chamber between the semi-circular canals and the cochlea. The chamber has two sacs filled with fluid and chalky particles. When you stand, the chalky particles settle to the bottom and press against the hairs at the bottom of the sacs. When you lie down, the particles settle to one side and press against a different set of hairs in the sacs.
Eustachian tube: A narrow tube that connects the middle ear to the back of the throat. It opens when you open your mouth, yawn or swallow, or blow your nose. The sensation of popping of the ears is the opening of the eustachian tube allowing air to escape from or to enter the middle ear.
Auditory nerves: Auditory nerves transmit signals to the brain.
[ 
email us at