How the Ear Works the Ear Has Three Main Parts: the Outer Ear (Including the External Auditory Canal), Middle Ear, and Inner Ear

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

How the Ear Works the Ear Has Three Main Parts: the Outer Ear (Including the External Auditory Canal), Middle Ear, and Inner Ear

Eastern Connecticut Ear, Nose & Throat, P.C. 1 Patient Information How the Ear Works The ear has three main parts: the outer ear (including the external auditory canal), middle ear, and inner ear. The outer ear (the part you can see) opens into the ear canal. The eardrum (tympanic membrane) separates the ear canal from the middle ear. The middle ear contains three small bones which help amplify and transfer sound to the inner ear. These three bones, or ossicles, are called the malleus, the incus, and the stapes (also referred to as the hammer, the anvil, and the stirrup respectively). The inner ear contains the cochlea which changes sound into neurological signals and the auditory (hearing) nerve, which takes sound to the brain. Any source of sound sends vibrations or sound waves into the air. These funnel through the ear opening, down the external ear canal, and strike your eardrum, causing it to vibrate. The vibrations are passed to the three small bones of the middle ear, which transmit them to the cochlea. The cochlea contains tubes filled with fluid. Inside one of the tubes, tiny hair cells pick up the vibrations and convert them into nerve impulses. These impulses are delivered to the brain via the hearing nerve. The brain interprets the impulses as sound (music, voice, a car horn, etc.). www.easternctent.com Willimantic 860.456.0287 Norwich 860.886.6610 Waterford 860.537.1903 Reproduced with permission by The American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery 0118 .

Copy Link

Recommended publications

Perforated Eardrum
Vinod K. Anand, MD, FACS Nose and Sinus Clinic Perforated Eardrum A perforated eardrum is a hole or rupture m the eardrum, a thin membrane which separated the ear canal and the middle ear. The medical term for eardrum is tympanic membrane. The middle ear is connected to the nose by the eustachian tube. A perforated eardrum is often accompanied by decreased hearing and occasional discharge. Paih is usually not persistent. Causes of Eardrum Perforation The causes of perforated eardrum are usually from trauma or infection. A perforated eardrum can occur: if the ear is struck squarely with an open hand with a skull fracture after a sudden explosion if an object (such as a bobby pin, Q-tip, or stick) is pushed too far into the ear canal. as a result of hot slag (from welding) or acid entering the ear canal Middle ear infections may cause pain, hearing loss and spontaneous rupture (tear) of the eardrum resulting in a perforation. In this circumstance, there may be infected or bloody drainage from the ear. In medical terms, this is called otitis media with perforation. On rare occasions a small hole may remain in the eardrum after a previously placed P.E. tube (pressure equalizing) either falls out or is removed by the physician. Most eardrum perforations heal spontaneously within weeks after rupture, although some may take up to several months. During the healing process the ear must be protected from water and trauma. Those eardrum perforations which do not heal on their own may require surgery. Effects on Hearing from Perforated Eardrum Usually, the larger the perforation, the greater the loss of hearing.
[Show full text]
Experimental Studies on the Function of the Stapedius Muscle Inman
EXPERIMENTAL STUDIES ON THE FUNCTION OF THE STAPEDIUS MUSCLE INMAN AKADEMISK AVHANDLING som med vederbörligt tillstånd av Medicinska fakulteten vid Umeå Universitet för vinnande av medicine doktorsgrad offentligen försvaras i Samhällsvetarhuset, sal D, lördagen den 25 maj 1974 kl. 9.15 f.m. av JOHN-ERIK ZAKRISSON med.lic. UMEÅ 1974 UMEÀ UNIVERSITY MEDICAL DISSERTATIONS No. 18 1974 From the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University of Umeå, Umeå, Sweden and the Division of Physiological Acoustics, Department of Physiology II, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden EXPERIMENTAL STUDIES ON THE FUNCTION OF THE STAPEDIUS MUSCLE IN MAN BY JOHN-ERIK ZAKRISSON UMEÂ 1974 To Karin Eva and Gunilla The present thesis is based on the following papers which will be referred to in the text by the Roman numerals: I. Zakrisson, J.-E., Borg, E. & Blom, S. The acoustic impedance change as a measure of stapedius muscle activity in man. A methodological study with electromyography. Acta Otolaryng, preprint. II. Borg, E. & Zakrisson, J.-E. Stapedius reflex and monaural masking. Acta Otolaryng, preprint. III. Zakrisson, J.-E. The role of the stapedius reflex in poststimulatory audi tory fatigue. Acta Otolaryng, preprint. IV. Borg, E. & Zakrisson, J.-E. The activity of the stapedius muscle in man during vocalization. Acta Otolaryng, accepted for publication. CONTENTS ABBREVIATIONS .......................................... 8 INTRODUCTION.............................................................................................. 9 MATERIAL.....................................................................................................
[Show full text]
SENSORY MOTOR COORDINATION in ROBONAUT Richard Alan Peters
SENSORY MOTOR COORDINATION IN ROBONAUT 5 Richard Alan Peters 11 Vanderbilt University School of Engineering JSC Mail Code: ER4 30 October 2000 Robert 0. Ambrose Robotic Systems Technology Branch Automation, Robotics, & Simulation Division Engineering Directorate Richard Alan Peters II Robert 0. Ambrose SENSORY MOTOR COORDINATION IN ROBONAUT Final Report NASNASEE Summer Faculty Fellowship Program - 2000 Johnson Space Center Prepared By: Richard Alan Peters II, Ph.D. Academic Rank: Associate Professor University and Department: Vanderbilt University Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Nashville, TN 37235 NASNJSC Directorate: Engineering Division: Automation, Robotics, & Simulation Branch: Robotic Systems Technology JSC Colleague: Robert 0. Ambrose Date Submitted: 30 October 2000 Contract Number: NAG 9-867 13-1 ABSTRACT As a participant of the year 2000 NASA Summer Faculty Fellowship Program, I worked with the engineers of the Dexterous Robotics Laboratory at NASA Johnson Space Center on the Robonaut project. The Robonaut is an articulated torso with two dexterous arms, left and right five-fingered hands, and a head with cameras mounted on an articulated neck. This advanced space robot, now dnven only teleoperatively using VR gloves, sensors and helmets, is to be upgraded to a thinking system that can find, in- teract with and assist humans autonomously, allowing the Crew to work with Robonaut as a (junior) member of their team. Thus, the work performed this summer was toward the goal of enabling Robonaut to operate autonomously as an intelligent assistant to as- tronauts. Our underlying hypothesis is that a robot can deveZop intelligence if it learns a set of basic behaviors ([.e., reflexes - actions tightly coupled to sensing) and through experi- ence learns how to sequence these to solve problems or to accomplish higher-level tasks.
[Show full text]
Instruction Sheet: Otitis Externa
University of North Carolina Wilmington Abrons Student Health Center INSTRUCTION SHEET: OTITIS EXTERNA The Student Health Provider has diagnosed otitis externa, also known as external ear infection, or swimmer's ear. Otitis externa is a bacterial/fungal infection in the ear canal (the ear canal goes from the outside opening of the ear to the eardrum). Water in the ear, from swimming or bathing, makes the ear canal prone to infection. Hot and humid weather also predisposes to infection. Symptoms of otitis externa include: ear pain, fullness or itching in the ear, ear drainage, and temporary loss of hearing. These symptoms are similar to those caused by otitis media (middle ear infection). To differentiate between external ear infection and middle ear infection, the provider looks in the ear with an instrument called an otoscope. It is important to distinguish between the two infections, as they are treated differently: External otitis is treated with drops in the ear canal, while middle ear infection is sometimes treated with an antibiotic by mouth. MEASURES YOU SHOULD TAKE TO HELP TREAT EXTERNAL EAR INFECTION: 1. Use the ear drops regularly, as directed on the prescription. 2. The key to treatment is getting the drops down into the canal and keeping the medicine there. To accomplish this: Lie on your side, with the unaffected ear down. Put three to four drops in the infected ear canal, then gently pull the outer ear back and forth several times, working the medicine deeper into the ear canal. Remain still, good-ear-side-down for about 15 minutes.
[Show full text]
Morphological and Functional Changes in a New Animal Model Of
Laboratory Investigation (2013) 93, 1001–1011 & 2013 USCAP, Inc All rights reserved 0023-6837/13 Morphological and functional changes in a new animal model of Me´nie`re’s disease Naoya Egami1, Akinobu Kakigi1, Takashi Sakamoto1, Taizo Takeda2, Masamitsu Hyodo2 and Tatsuya Yamasoba1 The purpose of this study was to clarify the underlying mechanism of vertiginous attacks in Me´nie`re’s disease (MD) while obtaining insight into water homeostasis in the inner ear using a new animal model. We conducted both histopatho- logical and functional assessment of the vestibular system in the guinea-pig. In the first experiment, all animals were maintained 1 or 4 weeks after electrocauterization of the endolymphatic sac of the left ear and were given either saline or desmopressin (vasopressin type 2 receptor agonist). The temporal bones from both ears were harvested and the extent of endolymphatic hydrops was quantitatively assessed. In the second experiment, either 1 or 4 weeks after surgery, animals were assessed for balance disorders and nystagmus after the administration of saline or desmopressin. In the first experiment, the proportion of endolymphatic space in the cochlea and the saccule was significantly greater in ears that survived for 4 weeks after surgery and were given desmopressin compared with other groups. In the second experiment, all animals that underwent surgery and were given desmopressin showed spontaneous nystagmus and balance disorder, whereas all animals that had surgery but without desmopressin administration were asymptomatic. Our animal model induced severe endolymphatic hydrops in the cochlea and the saccule, and showed episodes of balance disorder along with spontaneous nystagmus.
[Show full text]
Status and Strategies Analysis on International Standardization of Auricular Acupuncture Points
Online Submissions:http://www.journaltcm.com J Tradit Chin Med 2013 June 15; 33(3): 408-412 [email protected] ISSN 0255-2922 © 2013 JTCM. All rights reserved. REVIEWTOPIC Status and strategies analysis on international standardization of auricular acupuncture points Lei Wang, Baixiao Zhao, Liqun Zhou aa Lei Wang, Baixiao Zhao, School of Acupuncture-Moxibus- Germany. Clinical AAP research was done in Italy, tion and Tuina, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Bei- Austria, Switzerland, Spain, the UK, Holland, Japan, jing 100029, China Russia, and Africa. However, AAP research was not Liqun Zhou, Department of Humanities of Traditional Chi- communicated internationally. The World Federa- nese Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing Uni- tion of Acupuncture-Moxibustion Societies recom- versity of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, China Supported by a Grant of Key Technology Standard Promo- mended international standard of auricular acu- tion Project (No. 2006BAK04A20) from the Ministry of Sci- puncture points (ISAAPs). Standardized nomencla- ence and Technology of China, and a Grant (No. 2009B26) ture and locations of AAPs would provide a solid from the World Federation of Acupuncture and Moxibustion basis to draft an international standard organiza- Societies tion. Correspondence to: Prof. Baixiao Zhao, School of Acu- puncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Beijing University of Chi- CONCLUSION: Experts need to find common nese Medicine, Beijing 100029, China. baixiao100@gmail. points from different countries or regions, provide com evidence of different ideas, and list the proposal as Telephone: +86-10-64286737; +86-13911040781 a recommendation for an international standard. Accepted: January 27, 2013 © 2013 JTCM. All rights reserved. Abstract Key words: Acupuncture, ear; Reference standards; Information storage and retrieval OBJECTIVE: To supply literature for developing an international standard of auricular acupuncture points.
[Show full text]
Eardrum Regeneration: Membrane Repair
OUTLINE Watch an animation at: Infographic: go.nature.com/2smjfq8 Pages S6–S7 EARDRUM REGENERATION: MEMBRANE REPAIR Can tissue engineering provide a cheap and convenient alternative to surgery for eardrum repair? DIANA GRADINARU he eardrum, or tympanic membrane, forms the interface between the outside world and the delicate bony structures Tof the middle ear — the ossicles — that conduct sound vibrations to the inner ear. At just a fraction of a millimetre thick and held under tension, the membrane is perfectly adapted to transmit even the faintest of vibrations. But the qualities that make the eardrum such a good conductor of sound come at a price: fra- gility. Burst eardrums are a major cause of conductive hearing loss — when sounds can’t pass from the outer to the inner ear. Most burst eardrums are caused by infections or trauma. The vast majority heal on their own in about ten days, but for a small proportion of people the perforation fails to heal natu- rally. These chronic ruptures cause conductive hearing loss and group (S. Kanemaru et al. Otol. Neurotol. 32, 1218–1223; 2011). increase the risk of middle ear infections, which can have serious In a commentary in the same journal, Robert Jackler, a head complications. and neck surgeon at Stanford University, California, wrote that, Surgical intervention is the only option for people with ear- should the results be replicated, the procedure represents “poten- drums that won’t heal. Tympanoplasty involves collecting graft tially the greatest advance in otology since the invention of the material from the patient to use as a patch over the perforation.
[Show full text]
Study Guide Medical Terminology by Thea Liza Batan About the Author
Study Guide Medical Terminology By Thea Liza Batan About the Author Thea Liza Batan earned a Master of Science in Nursing Administration in 2007 from Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio. She has worked as a staff nurse, nurse instructor, and level department head. She currently works as a simulation coordinator and a free- lance writer specializing in nursing and healthcare. All terms mentioned in this text that are known to be trademarks or service marks have been appropriately capitalized. Use of a term in this text shouldn’t be regarded as affecting the validity of any trademark or service mark. Copyright © 2017 by Penn Foster, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of the material protected by this copyright may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner. Requests for permission to make copies of any part of the work should be mailed to Copyright Permissions, Penn Foster, 925 Oak Street, Scranton, Pennsylvania 18515. Printed in the United States of America CONTENTS INSTRUCTIONS 1 READING ASSIGNMENTS 3 LESSON 1: THE FUNDAMENTALS OF MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY 5 LESSON 2: DIAGNOSIS, INTERVENTION, AND HUMAN BODY TERMS 28 LESSON 3: MUSCULOSKELETAL, CIRCULATORY, AND RESPIRATORY SYSTEM TERMS 44 LESSON 4: DIGESTIVE, URINARY, AND REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM TERMS 69 LESSON 5: INTEGUMENTARY, NERVOUS, AND ENDOCRINE S YSTEM TERMS 96 SELF-CHECK ANSWERS 134 © PENN FOSTER, INC. 2017 MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY PAGE III Contents INSTRUCTIONS INTRODUCTION Welcome to your course on medical terminology. You’re taking this course because you’re most likely interested in pursuing a health and science career, which entails proficiencyincommunicatingwithhealthcareprofessionalssuchasphysicians,nurses, or dentists.
[Show full text]
Vestibular Neuritis and Labyrinthitis
Vestibular Neuritis and DISORDERS Labyrinthitis: Infections of the Inner Ear By Charlotte L. Shupert, PhD with contributions from Bridget Kulick, PT and the Vestibular Disorders Association INFECTIONS Result in damage to inner ear and/or nerve. ARTICLE 079 DID THIS ARTICLE HELP YOU? SUPPORT VEDA @ VESTIBULAR.ORG Vestibular neuritis and labyrinthitis are disorders resulting from an 5018 NE 15th Ave. infection that inflames the inner ear or the nerves connecting the inner Portland, OR 97211 ear to the brain. This inflammation disrupts the transmission of sensory 1-800-837-8428 information from the ear to the brain. Vertigo, dizziness, and difficulties [email protected] with balance, vision, or hearing may result. vestibular.org Infections of the inner ear are usually viral; less commonly, the cause is bacterial. Such inner ear infections are not the same as middle ear infections, which are the type of bacterial infections common in childhood affecting the area around the eardrum. VESTIBULAR.ORG :: 079 / DISORDERS 1 INNER EAR STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION The inner ear consists of a system of fluid-filled DEFINITIONS tubes and sacs called the labyrinth. The labyrinth serves two functions: hearing and balance. Neuritis Inflamation of the nerve. The hearing function involves the cochlea, a snail- shaped tube filled with fluid and sensitive nerve Labyrinthitis Inflamation of the labyrinth. endings that transmit sound signals to the brain. Bacterial infection where The balance function involves the vestibular bacteria infect the middle organs. Fluid and hair cells in the three loop-shaped ear or the bone surrounding semicircular canals and the sac-shaped utricle and Serous the inner ear produce toxins saccule provide the brain with information about Labyrinthitis that invade the inner ear via head movement.
[Show full text]
Vestibular Neuritis, Labyrinthitis, and a Few Comments Regarding Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss Marcello Cherchi
Vestibular neuritis, labyrinthitis, and a few comments regarding sudden sensorineural hearing loss Marcello Cherchi §1: What are these diseases, how are they related, and what is their cause? §1.1: What is vestibular neuritis? Vestibular neuritis, also called vestibular neuronitis, was originally described by Margaret Ruth Dix and Charles Skinner Hallpike in 1952 (Dix and Hallpike 1952). It is currently suspected to be an inflammatory-mediated insult (damage) to the balance-related nerve (vestibular nerve) between the ear and the brain that manifests with abrupt-onset, severe dizziness that lasts days to weeks, and occasionally recurs. Although vestibular neuritis is usually regarded as a process affecting the vestibular nerve itself, damage restricted to the vestibule (balance components of the inner ear) would manifest clinically in a similar way, and might be termed “vestibulitis,” although that term is seldom applied (Izraeli, Rachmel et al. 1989). Thus, distinguishing between “vestibular neuritis” (inflammation of the vestibular nerve) and “vestibulitis” (inflammation of the balance-related components of the inner ear) would be difficult. §1.2: What is labyrinthitis? Labyrinthitis is currently suspected to be due to an inflammatory-mediated insult (damage) to both the “hearing component” (the cochlea) and the “balance component” (the semicircular canals and otolith organs) of the inner ear (labyrinth) itself. Labyrinthitis is sometimes also termed “vertigo with sudden hearing loss” (Pogson, Taylor et al. 2016, Kim, Choi et al. 2018) – and we will discuss sudden hearing loss further in a moment. Labyrinthitis usually manifests with severe dizziness (similar to vestibular neuritis) accompanied by ear symptoms on one side (typically hearing loss and tinnitus).
[Show full text]
Inner Ear Infection (Otitis Interna) in Dogs
Hurricane Harvey Client Education Kit Inner Ear Infection (Otitis Interna) in Dogs My dog has just been diagnosed with an inner ear infection. What is this? Inflammation of the inner ear is called otitis interna, and it is most often caused by an infection. The infectious agent is most commonly bacterial, although yeast and fungus can also be implicated in an inner ear infection. If your dog has ear mites in the external ear canal, this can ultimately cause a problem in the inner ear and pose a greater risk for a bacterial infection. Similarly, inner ear infections may develop if disease exists in one ear canal or when a benign polyp is growing from the middle ear. A foreign object, such as grass seed, may also set the stage for bacterial infection in the inner ear. Are some dogs more susceptible to inner ear infection? Dogs with long, heavy ears seem to be predisposed to chronic ear infections that ultimately lead to otitis interna. Spaniel breeds, such as the Cocker spaniel, and hound breeds, such as the bloodhound and basset hound, are the most commonly affected breeds. Regardless of breed, any dog with a chronic ear infection that is difficult to control may develop otitis interna if the eardrum (tympanic membrane) is damaged as it allows bacteria to migrate down into the inner ear. "Dogs with long, heavy ears seem to bepredisposed to chronic ear infections that ultimately lead to otitis interna." Excessively vigorous cleaning of an infected external ear canal can sometimes cause otitis interna. Some ear cleansers are irritating to the middle and inner ear and can cause signs of otitis interna if the eardrum is damaged and allows some of the solution to penetrate too deeply.
[Show full text]
Ear Infections
EAR INFECTIONS How common are ear infections in cats? Infections of the external ear canal (outer ear) by bacteria or yeast are common in dogs but not as common in cats. Outer ear infections are called otitis externa. The most common cause of feline otitis externa is ear mite infestation. What are the symptoms of an ear infection? Ear infection cause pain and discomfort and the ear canals are sensitive. Many cats will shake their head and scratch their ears attempting to remove the debris and fluid from the ear canal. The ears often become red and inflamed and develop an offensive odor. A black or yellow discharge is commonly observed. Don't these symptoms usually suggest ear mites? Ear mites can cause several of these symptoms including a black discharge, scratching and head shaking. However, ear mite infections generally occur in kittens. Ear mites in adult cats occur most frequently after a kitten carrying mites is introduced into the household. Sometimes ear mites will create an environment within the ear canal which leads to a secondary infection with bacteria or yeast. By the time the cat is presented to the veterinarian the mites may be gone but a significant ear infection remains. Since these symptoms are similar can I just buy some ear drops? No, careful diagnosis of the exact cause of the problem is necessary to enable selection of appropriate treatment. There are several kinds of bacteria and fungi that might cause an ear infection. Without knowing the kind of infection present, we do not know which drug to use.
[Show full text]