Human outer ear. Ear structure: how our hearing works

EAR
organ of hearing and balance; its functions include the perception of sound waves and head movements. The perceptive apparatus of the ear is represented by a complex structure enclosed inside the hardest bone of the body - the temporal bone. The outer ear only concentrates sound waves and conducts them to internal structures. In dense bone inner ear there are two extremely sensitive formations: the cochlea, the organ of hearing itself, and the membranous labyrinth inserted into it - one of the sources of nerve signals in the central nervous system, thanks to which the balance of the body is maintained. This article is devoted to the human ear. About the hearing aid and the hearing characteristics of animals - see BIRDS,
INSECTS ,
MAMMALS,
as well as articles on certain species animals.
ANATOMY OF THE EAR
Anatomically, the ear is divided into three parts: outer, middle and inner ear.

Outer ear. The protruding part of the outer ear is called the auricle; it is based on semi-rigid supporting tissue - cartilage. The opening of the external auditory canal is located in the anterior part auricle, and the passage itself is directed inward and slightly forward. The auricle concentrates sound vibrations and directs them to the external auditory opening. Earwax is a waxy secretion of the sebaceous and sulfur glands of the external auditory canal. Its function is to protect the skin of this passage from bacterial infection and foreign particles, such as insects, that may enter the ear. U different people the amount of sulfur varies. Dense lump earwax (sulfur plug) can lead to disruption of sound conduction and hearing loss.
Middle ear, which includes the tympanic cavity and the auditory (Eustachian) tube, refers to the sound-conducting apparatus. A thin, flat membrane called the eardrum separates the inner end of the external auditory canal from the tympanic cavity, a flattened, rectangular space filled with air. In this cavity of the middle ear there is a chain of three movably articulated miniature bones ( auditory ossicles), which transmits vibrations from the eardrum to the inner ear. According to their shape, the bones are called the malleus, incus and stirrup. The malleus, with its handle, is attached to the center of the eardrum by means of ligaments, and its head is connected to the incus, which, in turn, is attached to the stapes. The base of the stapes is inserted into the oval window, an opening in the bony wall of the inner ear. Tiny muscles help transmit sound by regulating the movement of these ossicles. The optimal condition for vibration of the eardrum is equal air pressure on both sides. This happens due to the fact that the tympanic cavity communicates with external environment through the nasopharynx and the auditory tube, which opens into the lower anterior corner of the cavity. When swallowing and yawning, air enters the pipe, and from there into the tympanic cavity, which allows it to maintain pressure equal to atmospheric pressure. The facial nerve passes through the middle ear cavity on its way to the facial muscles. It is enclosed in a bony canal above the inner wall of the tympanic cavity, goes back, down and exits under the ear. Inside the ear it gives a twig, the so-called. drum string. Its name is due to the fact that it runs along the inner surface of the eardrum. Then the nerve goes forward and down under lower jaw, where branches extend from it to the taste buds of the tongue. The mastoid process is located posterior to the external auditory canal and the tympanic cavity. The process contains bone cells various shapes and quantities filled with air. All cells communicate with a central space known as the cave (antrum), which in turn communicates with the cavity of the middle ear.
Inner ear. Bone cavity inner ear containing big number chambers and passages between them is called a labyrinth. It consists of two parts: the bony labyrinth and the membranous labyrinth. The bony labyrinth is a series of cavities located in the dense part of the temporal bone; three components are distinguished in it: semicircular canals - one of the sources of nerve impulses reflecting the position of the body in space; vestibule; and the cochlea - the organ of hearing. The membranous labyrinth is enclosed within the bony labyrinth. It is filled with a fluid, endolymph, and is surrounded by another fluid, perilymph, which separates it from the bony labyrinth. The membranous labyrinth, like the bony labyrinth, consists of three main parts. The first corresponds in configuration to the three semicircular canals. The second divides the bony vestibule into two sections: the utricle and the saccule. The elongated third part forms the middle (cochlear) scala (spiral canal), repeating the bends of the cochlea (see section COCHALE below).
Semicircular canals. There are only six of them - three in each ear. They have an arched shape and begin and end in the uterus. The three semicircular canals of each ear are located at right angles to each other, one horizontally and two vertically. Each channel has an extension at one end - an ampoule. The six channels are arranged in such a way that for each there is an opposite channel in the same plane, but in a different ear, but their ampoules are located at mutually opposite ends.
Cochlea and organ of Corti. The name of the snail is determined by its spirally convoluted shape. This is a bone canal that forms two and a half turns of a spiral and is filled with fluid. Inside, on one wall of the spiral canal along its entire length there is a bony protrusion. Two flat membranes extend from this protrusion to the opposite wall so that the cochlea is divided along its entire length into three parallel channels. The two external ones are called the scala vestibuli and the scala tympani; they communicate with each other at the apex of the cochlea. Central, so-called the spiral canal of the cochlea ends blindly, and its beginning communicates with the sac. The spiral canal is filled with endolymph, the scala vestibule and scala tympani are filled with perilymph. Perilymph has a high concentration of sodium ions, while endolymph has a high concentration of potassium ions. The most important function of the endolymph, which is positively charged in relation to the perilymph, is the creation of an electrical potential on the membrane separating them, which provides energy for the process of amplifying incoming sound signals.

Collier's Encyclopedia. - Open Society. 2000 .

See what “EAR” is in other dictionaries:

Ah, plural ears, ears, cf. 1. Organ of hearing. External, middle, internal. (anat.). It's hard to hear in the left ear. I am deaf in one ear. Noise in ears. There is a ringing in the ear (see ringing). “I heard him speak with my own ears.” Pisemsky. “There’s a multilingual buzzing in my ears... ... Dictionary Ushakova

The process of cognition and sound perception of the world is carried out using the senses. We receive most of the information through vision and hearing. How the human ear works has been known for a long time, but it is not yet entirely clear how exactly sounds of different pitch and strength are recognized.

The auditory analyzer works from birth, although the structure of the infant ear is somewhat different. In time is enough loud sound appears in newborns unconditioned reflex, which is recognized by an increase in heart rate, increased breathing, and a temporary stop in sucking.

By two months of life, a conditioned reflex is formed. After the third month of life, a person can already recognize sounds that are different in timbre and pitch. By the age of one, the child distinguishes words by rhythmic contour and intonation, and by the age of three is able to distinguish the sounds of speech.

What does a hearing analyzer consist of?

Vertebrates hear using a pair of organs - the ears, the inner part of which is located in the temporal bones of the skull. Two ears are necessary not only to hear better, but also to help determine where the sound is coming from.

There are several explanations for this: the ear that is closer to the source picks up sound more strongly than the other; the near ear transmits information to the brain faster; sound vibrations reach the perceiving organ in different phases. What does the ear consist of and how does it provide sound perception and sound transmission?

Analyzers are called complex mechanisms, with the help of which information is collected and processed. Analyzers consist of three parts. Receptor department using nerve endings perceives irritation. The conductor transmits the sound impulse to the central nervous system through nerve fibers.

The central section is located in the cortex, and this is where a specific sensation is formed. The structure of the human ear is complex, and if the function of at least one section is disrupted, the operation of the entire analyzer stops.

Structure of the human ear

The structure of the ear is the same in almost all mammals. The only difference is in the number of curls of the cochlea and the limits of sensitivity. Human ear consists of 3 departments connected in series:

• outer ear;
• middle ear;
• inner ear.

An analogy can be drawn: the outer ear is a receiver that perceives sound, the middle part is an amplifier, and the human inner ear functions as a transmitter. The outer and middle ears are necessary for conducting sound waves to the receptor section of the analyzer, and the human inner ear contains cells that perceive mechanical vibrations.

Outer ear

The structure of the outer ear is represented by two areas:

• auricle (visible outer part);
• auditory canal.

The task of the auricle is to catch the sound and determine where it comes from. In animals (cats, dogs), the shell is mobile; such a device in the ear facilitates sound perception. In humans, the muscle that causes the movement of the shell has atrophied.

The shell is a rather fragile formation, since it consists of cartilage. Anatomically, the lobe, the tragus and antitragus, the helix and its legs, and the antihelix are distinguished. The structure of the auricle, namely its folds, helps to detect where the sound is localized, as they distort the wave.

Individually shaped auricle

The external auditory canal is 2.5 cm long and 0.9 cm wide. The canal begins with cartilaginous tissue (which continues from the auricle) and ends. The canal is covered with skin, where sweat glands changed and began to secrete earwax.

It is needed to protect against infection and the accumulation of contaminants, such as dust. Normally, sulfur comes out when chewing.

The eardrum divides external channel and middle ear. This is a membrane that does not allow air or water to pass into the organ and is sensitive to the slightest air fluctuations. Thus, it is necessary to protect the inside of the ear and transmit sound. In an adult it is oval, and in a child it is round.

The sound wave reaches the eardrum and causes it to shift. For a person to perceive different frequencies, enough movement of the membrane equal in size to the diameter of the hydrogen atom.

Middle ear

In the wall of the human middle ear there are two holes, closed by a membrane, that lead into the inner ear. They are called oval and round windows. The oval window vibrates due to the impacts of the auditory ossicle, the round window is necessary to transmit vibration in a closed space.

The tympanic cavity is only about 1 cm3. This is enough to accommodate the auditory ossicles - the malleus, incus and stirrup. The sound causes the eardrum to move, which causes the hammer to move, which moves the stapes through the incus.

The functions of the middle ear are not limited to the transmission of vibrations from the external to the internal canal; when the auditory ossicles move, the sound is amplified 20 times due to the contact of the base of the stapes with the membrane of the oval window.

The structure of the middle ear also requires the presence of muscles that will control the auditory ossicles. These muscles are the smallest in the human body, but they are capable of ensuring that the organ adapts to the simultaneous perception of different frequencies of sounds.

From the middle ear there is an outlet into the nasopharynx through the Eustachian tube. It is about 3.5 cm long and 2 mm wide. Its upper part is in the tympanic cavity, the lower part (pharyngeal mouth) is near the hard palate. The pipe is necessary to ensure equal pressure on both sides of the membrane, which is necessary for its integrity. The walls of the tube are closed and expand with the movement of the pharyngeal muscles.

At different pressure Ears feel stuffy, as if they are under water, and yawning occurs as a reflex. Swallowing or strong exhalation through the nose with pinched nostrils will help equalize the pressure.

The eardrum may be ruptured due to pressure changes

Anatomy of the middle ear childhood somewhat different. In children, there is a gap in the middle ear through which infection easily penetrates into the brain, causing inflammation of the membranes. With age, this gap closes. In children, the hearing aid is wider and shorter, located horizontally, so they often develop complications of ENT pathologies.

For example, when there is a sore throat, bacteria travel through the auditory tube into the middle ear and cause otitis media. Often the disease becomes chronic.

Inner ear

The structure of the inner ear is extremely complex. This anatomical region is localized in the temporal bone. It consists of two complex structures called labyrinths: bony and membranous. The second labyrinth is smaller and located inside the first. Between them there is perilymph. Inside the membranous labyrinth there is also a liquid - endolymph.

There is a maze vestibular apparatus. Therefore, the anatomy of the inner ear not only allows us to perceive sound, but also controls our balance. The cochlea is a spirally twisted canal consisting of 2.7 turns. It is divided into 2 parts by a membrane. This membranous septum contains more than 24 thousand elastic fibers that move from a sound of a certain pitch.

The fibers on the wall of the cochlea are distributed unevenly, which helps to better detect sounds. On the septum is the organ of Corti, which senses sound from string fibers using hair cells. Here mechanical vibrations are transformed into a nerve impulse.

How does sound perception occur?

The sound waves reach the outer concha and are transmitted to the outer ear, where they cause the eardrum to move. These vibrations are amplified by the auditory ossicles and transmitted to the membrane of the middle window. In the inner ear, vibrations provoke the movement of perilymph.

If the vibrations are quite strong, then they reach the endolymph, and it, in turn, provokes irritation of the hair cells (receptors) of the organ of Corti. Sounds of different pitches move fluid in different directions, which is picked up by nerve cells. They convert mechanical vibrations into a nerve impulse, which reaches the temporal lobe of the cortex through the auditory nerve.

A sound wave entering the ear is converted into a nerve impulse

The physiology of sound perception is difficult to study, since sound causes a slight displacement of the membrane, fluid vibrations are very small, and the anatomical region itself is small and located in the capsule of the labyrinth.

The anatomy of the human ear allows it to detect waves from 16 to 20 thousand vibrations per second. This is not much compared to other animals. For example, a cat perceives ultrasound and is able to detect up to 70 thousand vibrations per second. With age, a person's sound perception deteriorates.

Thus, a thirty-five-year-old person can perceive sound no higher than 14 thousand Hz, and those over 60 years old can only perceive up to 1 thousand vibrations per second.

Ear diseases

The pathological process occurring in the ears can be inflammatory, non-inflammatory, traumatic or fungal. Non-inflammatory diseases include otosclerosis, vestibular neuritis, Meniere's disease.

Otosclerosis develops as a result of pathological tissue proliferation, due to which the auditory ossicles lose mobility and deafness occurs. Most often, the disease begins during puberty and by the age of 30 a person has severe symptoms.

Meniere's disease develops due to the accumulation of fluid in a person's inner ear. Signs of pathology: nausea, vomiting, tinnitus, dizziness, difficulties with coordination. Vestibular neuritis may develop.

This pathology, if it occurs in isolation, does not cause hearing impairment, however, it can provoke nausea, dizziness, vomiting, tremor, headache, convulsions. Most often noted.

Depending on the location of the inflammation, there are:

• otitis externa;
• otitis media;
• internal otitis;
• labyrinthitis.

Occur as a result of the development of infection.

If otitis media is ignored, the auditory nerve is affected, which can lead to irreversible deafness

Hearing decreases as a result of the formation of plugs in the outer ear. Normally, sulfur is excreted on its own, but if its production is increased or its viscosity changes, it can accumulate and block the movement of the eardrum.

Diseases of a traumatic nature include damage to the auricle due to bruises, presence in the ear canal foreign bodies, deformation of the eardrum, burns, acoustic injuries, vibration injuries.

There are many reasons why hearing loss can occur. It may occur as a result of a violation of sound perception or sound transmission. In most cases, medicine can restore hearing. Held drug therapy, physiotherapy, surgical treatment.

Doctors are able to replace the auditory ossicles or eardrum with synthetic ones, and install an electrode in the human inner ear that will transmit vibrations to the brain. But if hair cells are damaged as a result of pathology, then hearing cannot be restored.

The structure of the human ear is complex and the appearance negative factor can impair hearing or lead to complete deafness. Therefore, a person must maintain hearing hygiene and prevent the development of infectious diseases.

The middle ear is a component of the ear. Occupies the space between the external auditory organ and the eardrum. Its structure involves numerous elements that have certain features and functions.

Structural features

The middle ear consists of several important elements. Each of these components has structural features.

Tympanic cavity

This is the middle part of the ear, very vulnerable, often subject to inflammatory diseases. It is located behind the eardrum, not reaching the inner ear. Its surface is covered with a thin mucous membrane. It has the shape of a prism with four irregular faces and is filled with air inside. Consists of several walls:

• The outer wall with a membranous structure is formed internal part eardrum, as well as the bone of the auditory canal.
• The inner wall at the top has a recess in which the window of the vestibule is located. Represents a small foramen ovale, which is covered by the lower surface of the stirrup. Below it there is a cape along which a furrow runs. Behind it is a funnel-shaped dimple in which the cochlear window is placed. From above it is limited by a bone ridge. Above the window of the cochlea there is a tympanic sinus, which is a small depression.
• The upper wall, which is called the tegmental wall, as it is formed by hard bone substance and protects it. The deepest part of the cavity is called the dome. This wall is necessary to separate the tympanic cavity from the walls of the skull.
• The lower wall is jugular, as it participates in the creation of the jugular fossa. It has an uneven surface because it contains drum cells necessary for air circulation.
• The posterior mastoid wall contains an opening that leads into the mastoid cave.
• The anterior wall has a bone structure and is formed by substance from the carotid artery canal. Therefore, this wall is called the carotid wall.

Conventionally, the tympanic cavity is divided into 3 sections. The lower one is formed by the lower wall of the tympanic cavity. Middle is the largest part, the space between the top and lower limit. Upper section– part of the cavity corresponding to its upper boundary.

Auditory ossicles

They are located in the tympanic cavity and have important, since without them sound perception would be impossible. These are the hammer, anvil and stirrup.

Their name comes from the corresponding shape. They are very small in size and are lined on the outside with mucous membrane.

These elements connect to each other to form real joints. They have limited mobility, but allow you to change the position of the elements. They are connected to each other as follows:

• The hammer has a rounded head connected to the handle.
• The anvil has a rather massive body, as well as 2 processes. One of them is short, rests against the hole, and the second is long, directed towards the handle of the hammer, thickened at the end.
• The stirrup includes a small head, covered on top articular cartilage, serves to articulate the anvil and 2 legs - one straight, and the second more curved. These legs are attached to the oval plate contained in the fenestra vestibule.

The main function of these elements is the transmission of sound impulses from the membrane to oval window vestibule. In addition, these vibrations are amplified, which makes it possible to transmit them directly to the perilymph of the inner ear. This occurs due to the fact that the auditory ossicles are articulated in a lever manner. In addition, the size of the stapes is many times smaller than the eardrum. Therefore, even small sound waves make it possible to perceive sounds.

Muscles

There are also 2 muscles in the middle ear - they are the smallest in human body. The muscle bellies are located in the secondary cavities. One serves to tension the eardrum and is attached to the handle of the hammer. The second is called the stirrup and is attached to the head of the stapes.

These muscles are necessary to maintain the position of the auditory ossicles and regulate their movements. This provides the ability to perceive sounds of varying strengths.

Eustachian tube

The middle ear connects to the nasal cavity through the Eustachian tube. It is a small canal, about 3-4 cm long. C inside it is covered with a mucous membrane, on the surface of which there is ciliated epithelium. The movement of its cilia is directed towards the nasopharynx.

Conventionally divided into 2 parts. The one that is adjacent to the ear cavity has walls with bone structure. And the part adjacent to the nasopharynx has cartilaginous walls. IN in good condition the walls are adjacent to each other, but when moving the jaw they diverge into different sides. Thanks to this, air flows freely from the nasopharynx into the hearing organ, ensuring equal pressure within the organ.

Due to its close proximity to the nasopharynx, the Eustachian tube is susceptible to inflammatory processes, since infection can easily enter it from the nose. Its patency may be impaired due to colds.

In this case, the person will experience congestion, which brings some discomfort. To deal with it, you can do the following:

• Examine the ear. Unpleasant symptom may be caused ear plug. You can remove it yourself. To do this, drop a few drops of peroxide into the ear canal. After 10-15 minutes, the sulfur will soften, so it can be easily removed.
• Move your lower jaw. This method helps with mild congestion. It is necessary to push the lower jaw forward and move it from side to side.
• Apply the Valsalva technique. Suitable in cases where ear congestion does not go away for a long time. It is necessary to close your ears and nostrils and take a deep breath. You have to try to breathe it out closed nose. The procedure should be carried out very carefully, as during it the arterial pressure and increase your heart rate.
• Use Toynbee's method. You need to fill your mouth with water, close your ears and nostrils, and take a sip.

The Eustachian tube is very important, because thanks to it it is observed normal pressure in the ear. And when it is blocked by various reasons this pressure is disturbed, the patient complains of tinnitus.

If after carrying out the above manipulations the symptom does not go away, you should consult a doctor. Otherwise, complications may develop.

Mastoid

It's small bone formation, convex above the surface and shaped like a papilla. Located behind the ear. It is filled with numerous cavities - cells connected to each other by narrow slits. The mastoid process is necessary to improve the acoustic properties of the ear.

Main functions

You can select following functions middle ear:

1. Sound conduction. With its help, sound is transmitted to the middle ear. Outer part Sound vibrations are captured, then they pass through the auditory canal, reaching the membrane. This leads to its vibration, which affects the auditory ossicles. Through them, vibrations are transmitted to the inner ear through a special membrane.
2. Even distribution of pressure in the ear. When the atmospheric pressure is very different from that in the middle ear, it is equalized through the Eustachian tube. Therefore, when flying or when immersed in water, the ears temporarily become blocked, as they adapt to new pressure conditions.
3. Safety function. middle part The ear is equipped with special muscles that protect the organ from injury. With very strong sounds, these muscles reduce the mobility of the auditory ossicles to a minimum level. Therefore, the membranes do not rupture. However, if strong sounds are very sharp and sudden, the muscles may not have time to perform their functions. Therefore, it is important to guard against similar situations, otherwise you may partially or completely lose your hearing.

Thus, the middle ear performs very important functions and is an integral part of the auditory organ. But it is very sensitive, so it should be protected from negative influences. Otherwise, various diseases may appear that lead to hearing impairment.

There are quite a lot of diseases that signal their development with ear pain. To determine what specific disease has affected the organ of hearing, you need to understand how the human ear works.

Diagram of the auditory organ

First of all, let's understand what an ear is. This is auditory-vestibular paired organ, performing only 2 functions: perception of sound impulses and responsibility for position human body in space, as well as for maintaining balance. If you look at the human ear from the inside, its structure suggests the presence of 3 parts:

• external (external);
• average;
• internal.

Each of them has its own no less intricate device. When connected, they form a long pipe that penetrates into the depths of the head. Let's look at the structure and functions of the ear in more detail (they are best demonstrated by a diagram of the human ear).

What is the outer ear

The structure of the human ear (its external part) is represented by 2 components:

• auricle;
• external ear canal.

The shell is an elastic cartilage that is completely covered by skin. He has complex shape. In its lower segment there is a lobe - this is a small skin fold, filled inside with a fatty layer. By the way, it is the outer part that has the most high sensitivity To various kinds injuries. For example, among fighters in the ring it often has a form that is very far from its original form.

The auricle serves as a kind of receiver for sound waves, which, entering it, penetrate deep into the organ of hearing. Since it has a folded structure, the sound enters the passage with minor distortion. The degree of error depends, in particular, on the location from which the sound originates. Its location can be horizontal or vertical.

It turns out that more accurate information about where the sound source is located enters the brain. So, it can be argued that the main function of the shell is to catch sounds that should enter the human ear.

If you look a little deeper, you can see that the concha is extended by the cartilage of the external ear canal. Its length is 25-30 mm. Next, the cartilage zone is replaced by bone. The outer ear is completely lined skin covering, which contains 2 types of glands:

• sulfuric;
• greasy

The outer ear, the structure of which we have already described, is separated from the middle part of the hearing organ by means of a membrane (also called the eardrum).

How does the middle ear work?

If we consider the middle ear, its anatomy consists of:

• tympanic cavity;
• eustachian tube;
• mastoid process.

They are all interconnected. The tympanic cavity is a space outlined by the membrane and the area of ​​the inner ear. Its location is the temporal bone. The structure of the ear here looks like this: in the front part there is a union of the tympanic cavity with the nasopharynx (the function of the connector is performed by the Eustachian tube), and in the back part - with the mastoid process through the entrance to its cavity. There is air in the tympanic cavity, which eustachian tube gets there.

The anatomy of the human ear (child) under 3 years old has a significant difference from how the adult ear works. Babies do not have a bone passage, and the mastoid process has not yet grown. The children's middle ear is represented by only one bony ring. Its inner edge has the shape of a groove. This is where the drum membrane is located. In the upper zones of the middle ear (where this ring is not present), the membrane connects to the lower edge of the squama of the temporal bone.

When the baby reaches 3 years of age, the formation of his ear canal is completed - the structure of the ear becomes the same as in adults.

Anatomical features of the internal section

The inner ear is its most difficult part. The anatomy in this part is very complex, so it was given a second name - “membranous labyrinth of the ear.” It is located in the rocky zone of the temporal bone. The middle ear is joined by windows - round and oval. Comprises:

• vestibule;
• cochlea with organ of Corti;
• semicircular canals (filled with fluid).

In addition, the inner ear, the structure of which provides for the presence of a vestibular system (apparatus), is responsible for constantly keeping a person’s body in a state of balance, as well as for the possibility of acceleration in space. Oscillations that occur in oval window, are transmitted to the fluid that fills the semicircular canals. The latter serves as an irritant for the receptors located in the cochlea, and this already causes the triggering of nerve impulses.

It should be noted that the vestibular apparatus has receptors in the form of hairs (stereocilia and kinocilia), which are located on special elevations - the macula. These hairs are located one opposite the other. By shifting, stereocilia provoke excitation, and kinocilia help inhibit.

Let's sum it up

In order to more accurately imagine the structure of the human ear, a diagram of the hearing organ should be before your eyes. It usually depicts a detailed structure of the human ear.

It is obvious that the human ear is quite complex system, consisting of many different entities, each of them performing a number of important and truly irreplaceable functions. The diagram of the ear demonstrates this clearly.

Regarding the structure of the outer part of the ear, it should be noted that each person has individual, genetically determined characteristics that in no way affect main function organ of hearing.

Ears require regular hygienic care. If you neglect this need, you can partially or completely lose your hearing. Also, lack of hygiene can lead to the development of diseases affecting all parts of the ear.

Rumor is one of important organs feelings. It is with its help that we perceive the slightest changes in the world around us, hear alarms, warning of danger. very important for all living organisms, although there are those that do without it.

In humans, the auditory analyzer includes the outer, middle, and from them auditory nerve information is coming to the brain, where it is processed. In the article we will dwell in more detail on the structure, functions and diseases of the external ear.

Structure of the outer ear

The human ear consists of several sections:

• External.
• Middle ear.
• Internal.

The outer ear includes:

Starting with the most primitive vertebrates, which developed hearing, the structure of the ear gradually became more complex. It's connected with general increase animal organizations. The external ear first appears in mammals. In nature, there are some species of birds with ears, for example, the long-eared owl.

Auricle

The human outer ear begins with the auricle. It consists almost entirely of cartilage tissue about 1 mm thick. It does not have cartilage in its structure; it only consists of adipose tissue and is covered with skin.

The outer ear is concave with a curl at the edge. It is separated by a small depression from the internal antihelix, from which the cavity of the auricle extends towards the ear canal. At the entrance to the ear canal there is a tragus.

auditory canal

The next section, which has the outer ear, - ear canal It is a tube 2.5 centimeters long and 0.9 cm in diameter. It is based on cartilage, shaped like a groove that opens upward. In the cartilage tissue there are santorium fissures that border the salivary gland.

Cartilage is present only in the initial section of the passage, then it passes into bone tissue. The ear canal itself is slightly curved in the horizontal direction, so during examination the doctor pulls the auricle back and up in adults, and back and down in children.

Inside the ear canal there are sebaceous and sulfur glands that produce it. Its removal is facilitated by the chewing process, during which the walls of the passage vibrate.

The auditory canal ends with the eardrum, which blindly closes it.

Eardrum

The eardrum connects the outer and middle ears. It is a translucent plate with a thickness of only 0.1 mm, its area is about 60 mm 2.

The eardrum is located slightly oblique relative to the ear canal and is drawn into the cavity in the form of a funnel. It has the greatest tension in the center. Behind it is already

Features of the structure of the outer ear in infants

When a baby is born, his hearing organ is not yet fully formed, and the structure of the outer ear has a number of distinctive features:

1. The auricle is soft.
2. The earlobe and curl are practically not expressed; they are formed only by the age of 4 years.
3. There is no bone in the ear canal.
4. The walls of the passage are located almost nearby.
5. The eardrum is located horizontally.
6. The size of the eardrum is no different from that of adults, but it is much thicker and covered with mucous membrane.

The child grows, and with him the development of the hearing organ occurs. Gradually he acquires all the features of an adult auditory analyzer.

Functions of the external ear

Each section of the auditory analyzer performs its own function. The external ear is intended primarily for the following purposes:

Thus, the functions of the outer ear are quite diverse, and the auricle serves us not only for beauty.

Inflammatory process in the outer ear

Often colds end with an inflammatory process inside the ear. This problem is especially relevant in children, since auditory tube they are short in size, and the infection can quickly penetrate from the nasal cavity or throat into the ear.

For everyone, inflammation in the ears can manifest itself differently, it all depends on the form of the disease. There are several types:

You can only cope with the first two types at home, but internal otitis requires hospital treatment.

If we consider external otitis, it also comes in two forms:

• Limited.
• Diffuse.

The first form usually occurs as a result of inflammation of the hair follicle in the ear canal. In some ways, this is an ordinary boil, but only in the ear.

The diffuse form of the inflammatory process covers the entire passage.

Causes of otitis media

There are many reasons that can provoke an inflammatory process in the outer ear, but the following are common among them:

1. Bacterial infection.
2. Fungal disease.
3. Allergic problems.
4. Improper ear canal hygiene.
5. Trying to remove ear plugs on your own.
6. Entry of foreign bodies.
7. Viral nature, although this happens very rarely.

Cause of pain in the outer ear in healthy people

It is not at all necessary that if ear pain occurs, a diagnosis of otitis media is made. Often such pain can occur for other reasons:

1. Walking in windy weather without a hat can cause ear pain. The wind puts pressure on the auricle and a bruise forms, the skin becomes bluish. This condition passes quickly enough after entering a warm room; no treatment is required.
2. Swimming enthusiasts also - frequent companion. Because during exercise, water enters the ears and irritates the skin, which can lead to swelling or otitis externa.
3. Excessive accumulation of wax in the ear canal can cause not only a feeling of fullness, but also pain.
4. Insufficient secretion of sulfur by the sulfur glands, on the contrary, is accompanied by a feeling of dryness, which can also cause pain.

As a rule, if otitis media does not develop, all discomfort in the ear goes away on its own and additional treatment not required.

Manifestations of external otitis

If the doctor diagnoses damage to the ear canal and auricle, a diagnosis of otitis externa is made. Its manifestations may be as follows:

• Pain happens different intensity, from completely unnoticeable to interfering with sleep at night.
• This condition may last for several days and then subside.
• There is a feeling of stuffiness, itching, and noise in the ears.
• During the inflammatory process, hearing acuity may decrease.
• Since otitis media is an inflammatory disease, the body temperature may rise.
• The skin around the ear may take on a reddish tint.
• When you press on the ear, the pain intensifies.

Inflammation of the outer ear should be treated by an ENT doctor. After examining the patient and determining the stage and severity of the disease, medications are prescribed.

Therapy for limited otitis media

Treatment for this form of the disease is usually surgically. After administering the anesthetic drug, the boil is opened and the pus is removed. After this procedure, the patient's condition improves significantly.

For some time you will have to take antibacterial medications in the form of drops or ointments, for example:

• "Normax".
• "Candibiotic."
• "Levomekol".
• "Celestoderm-B".

Usually, after a course of antibiotics, everything returns to normal and the patient makes a full recovery.

Therapy for diffuse otitis

Treatment of this form of the disease is carried out only conservatively. All medications are prescribed by a doctor. Typically the course includes a set of measures:

1. Taking antibacterial drops, for example, Ofloxacin, Neomycin.
2. Anti-inflammatory drops "Otipax" or "Otirelax".
3. Antihistamines (Citrine, Claritin) help relieve swelling.
4. To relieve pain, NPS are prescribed, for example, Diclofenac, Nurofen.
5. To increase immunity, taking vitamin-mineral complexes is indicated.

During treatment, it must be remembered that any warming procedures are contraindicated; they can only be prescribed by a doctor during the recovery stage. If all the doctor’s recommendations are followed and the full course of therapy is completed, then you can be sure that the outer ear will be healthy.

Treatment of otitis media in children

In children, the physiology is such that the inflammatory process very quickly spreads from the nasal cavity to the ear. If you notice in time that the child’s ear is bothering you, the treatment will be short and simple.

The doctor usually does not prescribe antibiotics. All therapy consists of taking antipyretic medications and painkillers. Parents can be advised not to self-medicate, but to follow the doctor’s recommendations.

Drops purchased on the recommendation of friends can only harm your child. When a baby is sick, appetite usually decreases. You can’t force him to eat; it’s better to give him more to drink so that toxins are removed from the body.

If your child gets ear infections too often, there is a reason to talk to your pediatrician about vaccination. In many countries this vaccination is already being done; it will protect the outer ear from inflammatory processes which are caused by bacteria.

Prevention of inflammatory diseases of the external ear

Any inflammation of the outer ear can be prevented. To do this, you only need to follow some simple recommendations:

If pain in the ear does not cause severe concern, this does not mean that you should not consult a doctor. Advanced inflammation can result in much more serious problems. Timely treatment will allow you to quickly cope with otitis of the external ear and relieve suffering.