The Human Ear

Label the diagram of the human ear from 1 - 12

Answer explanation

All are outer ear structures EXCEPT:

• Eustachian tube

• Pinna

• Auditory Canal (Ear Canal)

• Ear Drum

This inner ear structure affects the body's balance :

• Cochlea

• Oval Window

• Semi-circular canals

• Round Window

Answer explanation

The semi-circular canals are 3 tiny fluid filled tubes that effect the body's balance

This inner ear structure converts sound waves to nervous impulses:

• Eustachian Tube

• Oval Window

• Stirrup

• Cochlea

Answer explanation

This middle ear structure helps to balance pressure on both sides and connects the middle ear to the back of the throat.

• Ossicles

• Tympanum

• Eustachian Tube

• Auditory Canal

Answer explanation

Hearing loss may be due to which of the following ?

• Wax build up in the ear

• Ruptured Ear Drum due to exposure to loud music

• Auditory Nerve Damange

• All of the above

Which flow chart correctly depicts HOW WE HEAR ?

• Pinna to Auditory Canal to Ear Drum + Ossicles to Cochlea to Auditory Nerves to Brain

• Pinna to Ossicles to Eustachian Tube to Cochlea to Auditory Nerves to Brain

• Eardrum to Pinna to Cochlea to Ossicles to Auditory Nerves to Brain

• None of the above

Answer explanation

Which statement is NOT true of ear wax ?

• It is made by the outer ear canal

• It is usually formed in front of the eardrum

• It can protect against pathogens, insects and water from getting into the inner ear

• Build up of ear wax starts around the ossicles and prevents them from vibrating

Answer explanation

It is completely normal to have cerumen in the ear. Sometimes, however, it can build up and become impacted. Impacted cerumen gets built up in the ear canal when the body is not properly ridding itself of the wax and it gets stuck.

The wax builds up in front of the ear drum and greatly effects the sound coming into the ear. Vibrations are not able to travel through to the ear drum, making hearing difficult.

Common signs of impacted cerumen include a feeling of fullness in the ear, pain, ringing and dizziness. If the cerumen is not removed and continues to build up, it can cause more hearing loss.

List 3 ways we can care for our ears.

Answer explanation

1. Don't use Q-tips, bobby pins, or sharp objects when cleaning the ear

2. Let the doctor clean out excessive wax

3. Wearing protective gear when exposed to loud noises

4. Keep music at a comfortable level

5. Clean ear canal with a towel

This structure connects the pinna and the eardrum :

• Oval Canal

• Ear Canal (Auditory Canal)

• Eustachian Tube

• Semi-Circular Canals