What are ears?

Your ears are important for hearing the sounds around you. They are also important for balance.

Each of your ears has 3 parts — the outer, middle, and inner ear.

The outer ear

The outer ear includes the:

• visible part of the ear (pinna)
• external auditory canal (ear canal)
• tympanic membrane (eardrum)

The pinna is made of cartilage, covered by skin. It funnels sound through to the external (outer) ear canal and the eardrum.

The eardrum is a tiny membrane, almost like skin stretched very thin. The eardrum moves backwards and forwards in response to sound waves.

The middle ear

The middle ear includes the ossicles (ear bones) and the auditory tube (Eustachian tube).

The vibrations of the eardrum cause the tiny bones in the middle ear to vibrate. The bones are called the malleus, the incus and the stapes. The vibrations in the bones of the middle ear are then transferred to your inner ear.

The auditory tube (also called the Eustacian tube) connects your middle ear to the back of your nose and throat.

The inner ear

The hearing part of the inner ear is made up of the cochlea. The cochlea is spiral-shaped like a snail's shell. It transforms sound into nerve impulses. These travel to your brain, which turns the messages in the nerves into what we call hearing.

In your inner ear, there is also a part known as the vestibular system. This has 3 canals called semicircular canals. They are filled with fluid, and the fluid moves in different directions as your head moves. Sensors in your vestibular system tell your brain which way your head is moving.

Ear problems

There are ear diseases and disorders that can affect your hearing and balance.

Hearing loss

Hearing loss or deafness can be temporary or permanent. It can be caused by:

• damage to the inner ear through sudden or long-term exposure to loud noises
• ear wax build-up
• genetics

You may be experiencing hearing loss if you have buzzing in your ears or struggle to hear people talking. See your doctor for a check-up if you have difficulty hearing.

Balance disorders

Problems with the inner ear can also cause balance disorders, such as vertigo.

Ear infection

Middle ear infections often result from common colds. Your ears are connected to your nose and throat. Because of this, infections travel easily between these areas.

Middle ear infections can cause symptoms and signs such as:

• earache
• fever
• vomiting
• tiredness

Frequent ear infections in children can cause glue ear.

Infections of the outer ear can also happen.

CHECK YOUR SYMPTOMS — Use the Symptom Checker and find out if you need to seek medical help.

Getting your ears checked

If you have problems with your ears or hearing, see your doctor. They can examine you and do tests to check your ears and hearing.

Your doctor can also refer you to specialists, and help you access hearing aid devices if needed.

FIND A HEALTH SERVICE — The Service Finder can help you find doctors, pharmacies, hospitals and other health services.

ASK YOUR DOCTOR — Preparing for an appointment? Use the Question Builder for general tips on what to ask your GP or specialist.