Nervous system
Ear
The ear is the organ of hearing and balance. It collects sound and turns it into nerve signals, while its inner structures sense head position to keep you balanced.
What it is
The ear has three parts: the outer ear (the visible part and canal), the middle ear (eardrum and tiny bones) and the inner ear (the cochlea for hearing and the balance organs).
Where it is
On each side of the head, with the hearing and balance organs set within the temporal bone of the skull.
What it does
Enables hearing by turning sound waves into nerve signals, and provides the sense of balance.
How it works
Sound funnels down the ear canal and vibrates the eardrum. Three tiny bones pass the vibrations to the fluid-filled cochlea, whose sensory cells create nerve signals sent to the brain. Separate fluid-filled canals sense head movement for balance.
When things go wrong
Common conditions affecting the ear
- Ear infections
- Earwax build-up
- Hearing loss
- Tinnitus
- Vertigo (balance) disorders
Education and reference only. This explains the anatomy in plain terms and is not a diagnosis. Sudden severe symptoms — such as severe chest pain, breathlessness or collapse — are an emergency; call 999.
Looking after it
Keeping your ear healthy
Protecting ears from loud noise, not poking objects into the ear, and getting persistent hearing loss or ear pain checked all help.
Did you know?
An interesting fact
The inner ear contains the smallest bones in the body and organs that sense gravity and movement to keep you balanced.
Answers
Ear: frequently asked questions
What does the ear do?
The ear enables hearing — turning sound into nerve signals — and provides the sense of balance through fluid-filled organs in the inner ear.
How should I clean my ears?
Ears are largely self-cleaning; avoid cotton buds, which can push wax deeper. For troublesome wax, softening drops or professional removal are advised.
The nervous system
Related organs
Sources
Where this is drawn from
- NHS — Anatomy and body systems
- Gray's Anatomy for Students
- TeachMeAnatomy / TeachMePhysiology
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