Why is the ear shaped like that? Learn a little more about it here.
Among the many curious things in the world, the human ear is one of the most exquisite and strange. Animals have different ear shapes that seem simple; some are just holes that are almost impossible to see. How do you explain our strange ear shape to ourselves? Find out some curious facts about the human ear below. If you would like hearing or ear treatment in the Baltimore area, Clarity Audiology is here for you.
Why Are Our Ears Shaped That Way?
The outer ear that looks so unique is called the pinna. Our ears extend internally, including the middle and inner ears, the auditory nerve connecting to the brain, and the Eustachian tubes, which connect the ear, nose, and throat.
The pinna is the strange shape that it is to funnel sound waves all the way into the ear and to the brain to process the sounds. How exactly the shape of our outer ears does this may still be a mystery, but we can understand that it acts as a complex ear trumpet that works best with the rest of the ear.
What about Ear Lobes?
Ear lobes contain a lot of nerves and blood vessels, but we still do not know exactly what their purpose is. They do not seem to be part of the reason we can hear properly. All we know is that they are very sensitive and that their shape and attachment or detachment is genetic.
How Do Our Ears Work?
Our outer ears funnel sound waves into the middle ear, where you find the eardrum and three tiny bones. The sound waves vibrate off these pieces and then enter the inner ear, where sound waves run through the cochlea, which contains fluid and tiny hairs that also pick up on the sound waves. These sound waves finally make it through to the auditory nerve. By this time, the sounds have converted to electrical signals that reach the brain, and the brain interprets the sound. All of these steps happen within an instant.
Trust the Experts at Clarity Audiology & Hearing Solutions
Need help with your hearing? Clarity Hearing can help. Clarity Audiology & Hearing Solutions is an independently owned and operated clinic that focuses on quality of care and personalized, friendly service to the surrounding areas of Ellicott City, Catonsville, Columbia. Our Doctors of Audiology are highly trained with advanced degrees and take the time to provide the personalized care and attention that you need and deserve. We provide advanced hearing aid options that are personally calibrated with cutting-edge digital technology to fit your hearing loss, your unique ear anatomy, and your individual listening needs.
You can call us today to schedule a FREE Hearing Protection Consultation at 410-698-6594! For more blog posts, news, and updates, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and LinkedIn.