What are ears?

You can see your ears on the side of your head. They continue deep inside your skull.

Your ears are important for hearing the sounds around you and for balance. Each of your ears has 3 parts. Each part has its own function.

What are the function of the ears?

The ear has several important functions such as:

• Hearing — your ears help you hear by catching and sending sounds to your brain.
• Balance — your ears help you stay steady on your feet by telling the brain how your body is positioned as you move.
• Messaging the brain — your ears turn sounds into signals your brain can understand.
• Protection — your outer ears keep the parts inside your ears safe and protected.

What are the different parts of the ears?

Your ears have 3 parts. The outer, middle and inner ear.

The outer ear

The outer is the part of your ear you can see on the side of your head. It’s made of cartilage and is covered by skin. The outer ear includes the:

• visible part of the ear (pinna)
• ear canal

The outer ear collects or funnels sound to other parts of the ear. Sounds travel through to the outer ear into the ear canal and the eardrum. The outer ear also:

• makes earwax to trap dirt and keep the eardrum moist
• feels pain if something hurts your ear
• sends signals to your brain
• protects your ear canal and eardrum

The middle ear

The middle ear is includes the eardrum and 3 tiny ear bones called ossicles. It also has a tube known as the auditory tube or Eustachian tube.

The bones are called:

• hammer (malleus)
• anvil (incus)
• stirrup (stapes)

The middle ear sends sounds to the brain When the eardrum vibrates, these tiny bones also vibrate. The vibrations in the bones of the middle ear are then transferred to your inner ear.

The auditory tube connects your middle ear to the back of your nose and throat.

The inner ear

The inner ear is found deep inside your skull. It is like a tiny maze. The role of the inner ear is to processes sound and help with balance.

It has 2 main parts:

• the cochlea for hearing
• the vestibular system for balance

The cochlea is spiral shaped like a snail's shell. It turns sound vibrations into electrical messages for your brain to understand. This then turns into what we call hearing.

The vestibular system has 3 canals called semicircular canals. They are filled with tiny hair cells and fluid. The fluid moves in different directions as your head moves. Sensors in your vestibular system tell your brain which way your head is moving. Your brain then controls your balance.

How does the ear work?

The outer ear collects sound and sends it to the ear canal. The middle ear then passes sound vibrations to the inner ear through tiny bones. The inner ear turns sound vibrations into signals for the brain. These signals help you hear and stay balanced.

What are medical conditions related to the ear?

There are many different ear diseases and disorders that can affect your hearing and balance. Here are a few:

Hearing loss

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

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

You may be experiencing hearing loss if you have buzzing in your ears or struggle to hear people talking. See your doctor if you have difficulty hearing. A hearing test can check this.

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 easy 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 — this is sometimes known as ‘swimmer’s ear’.

How can I take care of my ears?

You should see your doctor if you have problems with your ears or hearing. They can examine you and do tests to check your ears and hearing.

Your doctor can also refer you to a specialist and help you access hearing aids if needed. A hearing specialist is called an audiologist.

Resources and support

For more information on how your ears work, ear conditions and how to keep your ears healthy, visit:

• Department of Health, Disability and Ageing
• Hearing Australia
• The Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital

You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 at any time to speak to a registered nurse (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria) for more information and advice.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders

Visit the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing website for information on ear health support and services for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.