Question

How does the middle ear help in hearing?

Answer 1

Middle ear aiding hearing:

1. When collected sound vibrations reach up to the eardrum from the pinna via the external auditory canal (parts of the external ear) eardrum vibrates.
2. Then eardrum vibrations are transmitted to the middle ear (ear ossicles namely malleus, incus, and stapes)
3. It first vibrates the malleus (hammer) connected to the inner side of the eardrum, then passes these vibrations to the incus (anvil) and further, they are transmitted to stapes(stirrup)
4. Stapes. is present in an oval-shaped window whose opening leads to the inner ear.
5. So, the sound vibration from stapes is transmitted to the inner ear where it stimulates the organ of the Corti.
6. Organ of Corti on its stimulation transmits these vibrations to the auditory nerves of the brain which analyses these sensory impulses and sound is recognized.