The Ear An overview of the body's sound sensor

The ear is not just the organ we use to hear – it also plays a crucial role in our balance. The ear consists of several complex parts that work together to capture sound waves and send signals to the brain. With a 3D model, it becomes easier to understand how the ear is structured and functions.

Chapter 1: The Outer Ear

The outer ear consists of:

• The earlobe (auricle/pinna): The visible part of the ear that captures sound waves and directs them into the ear canal.
• The ear canal: A channel that carries sound further in towards the eardrum. Earwax here protects against dust and bacteria.

Sound waves travel through the ear canal and hit the eardrum, which begins to vibrate.

Chapter 2: The Middle Ear

The middle ear is an air-filled space that contains three small bones – the smallest in the body:

• The hammer (malleus)
• The anvil (incus)
• The stirrup (stapes)

These bones amplify the vibrations from the eardrum and transfer them to the inner ear through the oval window. The middle ear also contains the Eustachian tube, which equalizes pressure between the middle ear and the throat.

Chapter 3: The Inner Ear

The inner ear contains:

• Cochlea (the snail): A fluid-filled, spiral-shaped structure where sound vibrations are converted into electrical signals via tiny hair cells.
• The organ of balance (the vestibular system): Consists of semicircular canals and otolith organs, which detect movement and the position of the head.

The cochlea is connected to the auditory nerve, which sends signals to the brain, where they are perceived as sound.

Chapter 4: How Do We Hear?

1. Sound waves are captured by the outer ear.
2. They travel through the ear canal and hit the eardrum.
3. The bones of the middle ear amplify the vibrations.
4. The cochlea converts the vibrations into electrical signals.
5. The auditory nerve sends the signals to the brain's hearing center.

Chapter 5: The Ear's Role in Balance

In addition to hearing, the ear helps us maintain balance. The fluid-filled semicircular canals in the inner ear detect movements of the head. When we move, signals are sent to the brain, which coordinates movements and eye position to maintain stability.

Chapter 6: About Cotton Swabs

Many people use cotton swabs as part of their daily ear hygiene, but it is important to understand how they should – and should not – be used.

Cotton swabs should only be used to clean the outer ear, that is, the area around the earlobe and the entrance to the ear canal. Here, they can gently remove visible dirt or excess earwax.

They should never be inserted into the ear canal itself, as this can push earwax further in, irritate the ear canal, or in the worst case damage the eardrum. The ear canal is self-cleaning, and earwax naturally moves out towards the opening, where it can easily be removed from the outside.

If you experience blockages, discomfort, or reduced hearing, you should instead consult a doctor or an ear, nose, and throat specialist, who can clean the ear safely.