How We Hear!

Hearing is a fascinating process that involves physical, physiological, and neurological elements. Here’s a breakdown of how we hear, from the initial entry of sound into the ear to the brain interpreting it as recognizable sound. 1. Physical Process Sound Waves Enter the Ear : Sound travels in waves created by vibrations in the air. These sound waves enter the outer ear (pinna) and travel down the ear canal to the eardrum. Eardrum Vibrations: The eardrum (tympanic membrane) vibrates in response to these sound waves, transferring the energy to the tiny bones in the middle ear. 2. Mechanical Amplification Ossicles in Action : The middle ear has three small bones—the malleus, incus, and stapes (together called ossicles). These bones amplify the vibrations from the eardrum and transfer them to the cochlea, a fluid-filled, spiral-shaped organ in the inner ear. Cochlea Fluid Movement : When the stapes pushes on the oval window of the cochlea, it causes the fluid inside to move, creating a...