Each of your ears is made up of three parts: the outer ear, the middle ear and the inner ear. Sound waves are collected by the outer ear and travel through the ear canal to the eardrum, located in the middle ear. When the sound waves hit the eardrum, vibrations are created causing three tiny bones to move. While these tiny bones are moving, the vibrations travel into the cochlea, located in the inner ear. The cochlea is filled with fluid and is covered with really small hairs. After the vibrations reach the cochlea, all those tiny hairs send nerve impulses to your brain. Next thing you know, you are watching your favorite TV show, listening to your favorite song, or hearing your mom asking you to clean your room!
Here are some other things you should know about your ears:
• They help you control balance, so you’re not falling over all the time.
• Earwax helps keep dirt, infections and other things from traveling inside your ears.
• The three tiny bones inside your ears are called the hammer, anvil and stirrup and they are the smallest bones in your body!
If you are having trouble hearing or if you feel any pain in your ears, make sure you tell your parents right away.