Hearing and Balance Center
How Normal Ear Works
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| Picture courtesy of Cochlear Ltd. |
Here is how the ear works normally:
- Sound is transmitted as sound waves from the environment. The sound waves
are gathered by the outer ear and sent down the ear canal to the eardrum.
- The sound waves cause the eardrum to vibrate, which sets the three tiny bones in the middle ear into motion.
- The motion of the bones causes the fluid in the inner ear or cochlea to move.
- The movement of the inner ear fluid causes the hair cells in the cochlea to bend.
The hair cells change the movement into electrical pluses.
- These electrical impulses are transmitted to the hearing (auditory) nerve and up to the brain, where they are interpreted as sound.
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If you would like to make an appointment or talk to an Audiologist, please call the Hearing and Balance Center at 410-328-5947.
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