Anatomy of the Ear & Surrounding Tissue

The anatomy of the ear is quite complex.

The anatomy of the ear can be quite complex, as it is comprised of several components that work synergistically and systemically with other body parts (throat, nose). According to Medline Plus, "the ear consists of external, middle, and inner structures. The eardrum and the three tiny bones conduct sound from the eardrum to the cochlea."

The Outer Ear

The outer ear protects the middle ear.

The ear is anatomically a trichotomy, consisting of an outer, middle and inner structure. In this regard, the human body has three ears in one. The outer ear includes the lobule or lobe, the external auditory canal and the pinna. The external auditory canal is the exposed opening to the ear. The pinna, which is primarily cartilage, is the visible rim of the upper-outer ear.

The Middle Ear

The middle ear protects the inner ear.

The middle ear is an enclosed unit, consisting of the eardrum, malleus (hammer), incus (anvil) and stapes. Located directly opposite to the canal is the eardrum. Should an object enter the external auditory canal, it will eventually confront the eardrum, which is covered by a resilient, yet tender membrane called the tympanic membrane. This membrane is easily ruptured or perforated by consistent exposure to pressure, as with loud sounds at severe frequencies of 70 decibels or higher, or the insertion of piercing objects (Q-tips, bobby pins). The function of the middle ear, primarily the eardrum, is to transmit sound through the middle ear (passageway) to the inner ear with help of the malleus, Greek for mallet or hammer. The malleus hitting the tympanic membrane of the eardrum is likened to the mallet hitting the timpani drum.

The Inner Ear

The inner ear is protected by the middle and outer ears.

The deeper we go into the ear, the more complex the anatomy becomes. The inner ear is the most sensitive part of the ear, as it is connected to several nerve endings which lead to the eyes, nose and throat, as well as internal canals that run parallel to the brain. The inner ear consists of semicircular canals (horizontal, posterior, superior), the vestibular cochlea nerve, the otolith organs (utricle, succle), cochlea and eustachian tube. The cochlea is vital to the inner ear, even as the eardrum is to the middle ear. The cochlea receives sound, and, upon contact, converts those vibrations into neurological signs for the brain to process, thus generating a response from the body. These three structures (outer, middle and inner) work interdependently as a whole for complete functionality.

Ear Ailments and Damage

Ear-phone plugs are damaging to the ear drum.

A perforated eardrum can lead to infection, as the tympanic membrane serves as a protective covering for the inner ear. Swimming with a ruptured eardrum places one at a greater risk of infection, according to Ohio Health Online. Using ear-phone plugs rather than headphones can cause ear damage, as the plugs transmit sound vibrations (at high decibels) directly into the ear.

Also known as "ringing in the ears," tinnitus can be extremely annoying. Tinnitus can arise in any of the following areas: the outer ear, the middle ear, the inner ear or by abnormalities in the brain. Some tinnitus or head noise is normal. Fluid, infection or disease of the middle ear bones or ear drum (tympanic membrane) can also cause tinnitus. One of the most common causes of tinnitus is damage to the microscopic endings of the hearing nerve in the inner ear. Advancing age is generally accompanied by a certain amount of hearing nerve impairment, and consequently tinnitus. Today, loud noise exposure is a very common cause of tinnitus, and it often damages hearing as well, according to Medical Net. There is currently (2010) no treatment for tinnitus. It usually goes away on its own.

Caring For Your Ears

Use foam ear plugs when exposed to loud noises.

The ear is actually self-cleansing due to cerumen (ear wax), which is produced by glands located within the middle ear, as per Medicine Net. On occasion, ear wax buildup may occur, thus requiring professional removal. Sufferers of persistent tinnitus or ear infection, should likewise consult with an otolaryngologist. Keep objects out of the ears, Q-tips should not be used beyond the outer ear. Use foam ear plugs when exposed to severely loud noises. Lastly, listen to music at reasonable frequencies or levels, and replace ear-phone plugs with headphones.

References

• Medline Plus: Ear Anatomy
• Medicine Net: Tinnitus
• Ohio Health Online: Ruptured Eardrum

Resources

• Ancient Dictionary: Greek