How We Hear

The organ of hearing is perhaps the smallest
and most complex organ in the human body.
As sound is collected at the ear canal and 
travels down towards the ear drum, the sound causes the eardrum to vibrate which transfers the vibrations through the middle ear bones, the hammer, anvil, and stirrup, and then this vibration is put into the inner ear. The inner 





 

 ear is filled with fluid and 20 to 30,000 hair like filaments called cilia.  The fluid vibrates and through a hydromechanical action, the hair cells are pulled and pushed on.  At this point, a chemical reaction occurs which causes the tiny hair cells to shoot out a very tiny amount of voltage.  This is sent to the eighth nerve and on up to the auditory center of the brain.  The brain then interprets this signal as a family member speaking to you, a dog barking, or whatever it is.  These tiny hair cells can be damaged through excessive noise exposure, wear-out from age, or be hurt by certain medications.  It is important that you protect your hearing from loud noises.  Please refer to the conservation section for noise exposure limits and volumes. 

This information is general in nature and not intended as advice or to replace  contacting your dispenser, audiologist or physician.

 
© 2000  Muskegon Hearing & Speech Center

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