Human Ear and Sense of Hearing

Hearing and Audition

• Hearing or audition is the sense of sound perception, resulting from tiny hair fibers in the inner ear detecting the motion of a membrane that vibrates in response to changes in atmospheric pressure.
• The audible frequency range for humans is 20-20,000 Hz.

Detection of Sound

• Sound can also be detected as vibrations conducted through the body (tactile hearing).
• Lower and higher frequencies than can be heard are detected through tactile hearing.

Ear Function

• The ear is regarded as the organ of hearing and balance.
• Hearing is highly adaptive, like our other senses.
• The sense of motion and balance is a main function of the ear.

Interesting Facts about Hearing

• Animals can hear a wider range of sounds than humans.
• Dolphins have the best sense of hearing among all animals.
• At high altitudes, changes in pressure cause the ear to pop.

Developmental Differences in Hearing

• Babies can get earaches due to milk deposits in the eustachian tube, which can lead to infections.
• Children can hear more noises than adults due to more sensitive ears.

Ear Problems

• Earaches occur when too much fluid causes pressure in the eardrum, often due to allergies, viruses, or infections.

Anatomy of the Ear

• The ear is divided into three parts: the outer ear, middle ear, and inner ear.

Outer Ear

• The outer ear collects sound waves from the environment and directs them to the internal portions of the ear.
• It is shaped like a reverse megaphone and helps locate the direction of sound.