Ears

The ears are complex organs responsible for the sense of hearing and contributing to the equilibrium and balance in mammals, including humans. Medically, the ear is divided into three main regions: the outer ear, which includes the pinna (auricle) and the ear canal; the middle ear, which houses three small bones known as the ossicles (malleus, incus, and stapes) and the eardrum (tympanic membrane); and the inner ear, which contains the cochlea for hearing and the vestibular system for balance. The outer ear captures sound waves and channels them inward, where they vibrate the eardrum, subsequently moving the ossicles and converting acoustic energy into mechanical forces that stimulate the fluid-filled cochlea.

In the inner ear, sensory hair cells within the cochlea translate these mechanical forces into nerve impulses, which the auditory nerve transmits to the brain for sound interpretation. Any disruption in this complex pathway can lead to hearing loss or balance disorders. Medical conditions such as otitis media, tinnitus, and Meniere's disease can impact the function of the ear. Treatment and diagnosis of ear-related issues can involve a range of healthcare professionals, including audiologists, otolaryngologists, and primary care physicians, employing various tools like otoscopes, audiometry, and imaging studies.