The ear isn’t a standalone organ. Here’s how it links to the nose and throat.
The human body is more fascinating the more you study its composition. The ears alone have a lot going on, having at least three major parts and serving as centers of hearing and balance. There is more to the ears, though, with the nose and throat being interconnected neighbors that often suffer together when something goes wrong. Learn below how the ears, nose, and throat are connected, and contact Clarity Audiology in central Maryland if you need an audiologist.
How Do the Ears, Nose, and Throat Connect?
Both ears have a tube connected to the middle ear called the Eustachian tube. The Eustachian tubes lead from the middle ear to the throat. The nose, which has the visible (anterior) and hidden (posterior) parts, leads directly to the throat in its posterior. Thus, the ears and nose connect to the throat, which begins behind the nose to behind the mouth to below that, where the voice box is.
The Purpose of the Eustachian Tubes
The Eustachian tubes are coated in mucus just like the nose and throat are. They stay closed off from the throat except for when you swallow or yawn, which allows some airflow into the middle ear. The reason this function matters is that the middle ear can have the same air pressure as the surrounding environment, which helps sound waves travel properly through the middle ear.
The Eustachian tubes also drain fluid from the middle ear into the throat. This drainage and the usually closed-off state from the throat are crucial to preventing ear infections.
When to See an Audiologist
An audiologist specializes in ear conditions like hearing loss and balance disorders. Common ailments of the ear, nose, and throat include congestion, inflammation, excess fluid, itchiness, and more from allergies, colds, and infections. An ear infection is an isolated condition that involves inflammation, ear pain, and temporary hearing loss, but it can occur because of an infection in the nose or throat. If you experience a ruptured eardrum, call a doctor or an audiologist right away.
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.