receptor of sound waves and transmits the impulses from sound waves to the auditory nerve which carries the impulse to the temporal lobe of the brain where the impulse is interpreted as hearing
What is the organ of corti?
Located in the inner ear and contains a liquid and delicate hair-like cells that bend when the liquid moves with a change in head and body movements. Sends impulses to the brain to help maintain a sense of balance and equilibrium.
What is semicircular canals?
a "ringing of the ears"
What is tinnitus?
vibrates when sound waves hit it and transmits waves to the middle ear
What is the tympanic membrane or eardrum?
structure that connects the middle ear to the pharynx (throat) and allows air to enter the middle ear to help equalize the air pressure on both sides of the tympanic membrane
What is the eustachian tube?
inflammation or infection of the middle ear and is caused by a bacterium or virus. S/S include severe pain, fever, vertigo, N/V, fluid buildup in the middle ear. Sometimes tubes are placed to relieve pressure and drain fluid.
What is otitis media?
place where cerumen is made
What is the external acoustic meatus?
hearing loss when the sound waves are not transmitted to the inner ear and may possibly be caused by a wax plug, otosclerosis, an infection, or use of a hearing aid
What is conductive hearing loss?
disease when the stapes becomes immobile causing conductive hearing loss. S/S include gradual hearing loss, tinnitus and at times vertigo
What is otosclerosis?
the auditory canal and tympanic membrane are located here
What is the outer ear?