Parts of the Ear
What part of the ear is at the end of the ear canal? (Hint: it is named like an instrument)
The eardrum
What does the eardrum do?
It vibrates when sound waves reach it.
Why do humans have 2 ears?
Having 2 ears working together helps us find out where a sound is coming from!
What part of the ear is shaped like a snail?
The cochlea
What do the ossicles do?
When the eardrum vibrates, the ossicles vibrate, bringing the sound to the cochlea.
True or False: your ears help you keep balance.
True! Inside your ear, your vestibular system helps you stay upright and balanced!
What is the name of the part of the ear you can see? (Hint: some people wear earrings in this part)
The pinna (or the auricle)
What does the auditory nerve do?
It brings the sound signal from the cochlea the the brain.
How often should you clean inside your ears?
Never! Earwax stops dirt from getting in your ears, and naturally falls out, keeping your ears clean!
The ear canal.
What does the ear canal do? (2 things)
It makes ear wax. It carries sound waves from the pinna to the ear drum.
True or False: Your ears "turn off" when you are sleeping.
False! Your ears are always working. When you are asleep, they are in a "standby" mode.
What are the names of the three small bones in the middle ear?
Hammer, Anvil, Stirrup (or Malleus, Incus, Stapes)
What does the cochlea do?
The cochlea turns the sound vibrations into an electrical signal that the brain can understand.
Can an infection in your throat get to your ear?
Yes! The Eustachian tube connects your ears, nose, and throat, so infection in any of these areas can spread to another!