What Is the Auditory Canal and What Does It Do?
Our ears provide one of our most essential senses, hearing. Hearing doesn’t just allow us to listen to music or watch TV; it also helps us communicate and build meaningful relationships. But, the ear is much more intricate than what we see. Inside, it houses one of the body's most complex systems: the auditory canal.
Your Ear Anatomy
Hearing is one of our most essential senses, it helps us communicate, build meaningful relationships, and enjoy the sounds of life. But, the ear is much more intricate than what we see. Inside, it houses one of the body's most complex systems.
The auditory canal, also known as the outer ear canal, is a tube that runs from the outer ear to the eardrum. It includes:
- Auricle: The auricle is outside of the ear canal. Its function is to collect sound waves to transfer to the external auditory canal.
- External Auditory Canal: The external auditory canal connects the outer part of the ear to the middle ear, transmitting sound waves to the eardrum. This area of the ear canal contains hair and earwax, which trap dust and debris, preventing them from reaching the inner ear.
- Tympanic Membrane (eardrum): Also known as the eardrum, the tympanic membrane divides the external ear from the middle ear. It converts sound waves to vibrations that are transmitted to the middle ear. Additionally, the eardrum serves as a protective barrier against foreign objects entering the middle ear.
- Ossicles: The ossicles are three small bones located inside the middle ear. The malleus, incus, and stapes bones are connected and help amplify and transmit sound waves to the inner ear.
Did you know: From the eardrum to the footplate of the stapes, there is a transfer function that can make sound up to 26 dB louder. The larger size of the eardrum is magnified and concentrated on to the smaller surface area of the stapes footplate. Any disruption in the ear drum, middle ear, or ossicles can result in up to 60 dB of hearing loss.
- Eustachian Tube: The eustachian tube is a mucous-lined tube that connects the middle ear to the back of the nose. Its primary function is to equalize pressure in the middle ear, which is essential for properly transmitting sound waves.
- Cochlea: The cochlea is a snail-shaped organ roughly the size of a pea that contains highly specialized structures, including the inner and outer hair cells, which convert sound waves to electrical signals that the brain can interpret as sound
- Internal Auditory Meatus: The internal auditory meatus is located within the temporal bone in the ear canal. This bony channel holds and protects the acoustic nerve (VIII nerve). This nerve transmits signals from the auditory and vestibular system to the brain.
- Vestibular System: The vestibular system works to maintain balance and spatial orientation within the ear.
How the Auditory Canal Facilitates Hearing
Hearing begins with the auricle collecting sound waves, which travel through the auditory canal to vibrate the eardrum. These vibrations are then amplified by the middle ear bones and passed on to the cochlea. Inside the cochlea, fluid movements stimulate hair cells, converting these vibrations into electrical signals. These signals are carried by the auditory nerve to the brain's auditory cortex, where they are interpreted, allowing us to perceive and understand sounds.
How to Protect Your Auditory Canal from Damage
Human ears are susceptible to sound and can easily be damaged by loud noises. To protect your auditory canal and your hearing from harm, following a few precautions can help:
Learn more about how to protect your hearing.
Avoid listening to loud music through headphones or earbuds for prolonged periods. Follow the 60/60 rule: Never listen to music at more than 60 percent of maxium volume for more than 60 minutes.
Common Auditory Canal Issues
Just like any part of the body, the ear canal can encounter various issues. While some problems can be addressed easily, others may require assistance from a hearing care provider.
When to Consult With a Hearing Professional
A person should consult with a hearing professional if they experience any of the following issues:
- Pain
- Decreased hearing
- Discharge
- Pressure
- Swelling
- Excessive itching
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, it is important to consult with a hearing professional. At Amplifon Hearing Health Care, our dedicated team of hearing care providers can address your questions and concerns and work towards finding a solution.
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