How Do We Hear?
A quick primer on the outer, middle, and inner ear—and how sound becomes hearing.
What it is
Sound travels through the ear canal to the eardrum (outer/middle ear) and into the cochlea (inner ear).
Hair cells in the cochlea convert vibrations into electrical signals that travel along the auditory nerve to the brain.
Who benefits
- Anyone curious about hearing mechanics
- New hearing-aid users learning the basics
- Parents explaining hearing to children
What to expect
- Outer ear: collects and funnels sound
- Middle ear: eardrum & ossicles boost vibrations
- Inner ear: cochlea transduces to nerve signals
- Brain: interprets patterns as speech and sound
FAQs
Why do high-pitches go first?
High-frequency hair cells sit at the cochlea’s base and are more vulnerable to noise/ageing.
What is sensorineural loss?
Damage to inner-ear hair cells or the auditory nerve, often permanent but manageable.