The Hearing Process
The ear is generally divided into three parts: the outer or external ear, the middle ear and the inner ear.
The external ear (the visible portion of the ear) collects sound and sends it to the eardrum. The eardrum is a small membrane that separates the outer ear from the middle ear.
The middle ear houses a chain of three tiny bones that are connected together, the first of which is attached to the eardrum. These bones are set into vibration by movement of the eardrum, which continues the transmission of sound through the pathway of hearing. The third bone in the chain is attached to the inner ear by another small membrane or window.
The inner ear contains the tiny nerve endings for balance and hearing. It also contains a very unique fluid that becomes set in motion by movement (or displacement) of the small window. The tiny nerve endings are then stimulated and each send a message or impulse to the brain. |