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How Do We Hear?

Outer Ear (Pinna, Ear canal, to Tympanic Membrane)

• Collects sounds to send into the middle and inner ear

Middle Ear (Ossicular Chain: Incus, Malleus, Stapes)

• Mechanically carry the sound waves to the inner ear
• Makes up for the mismatch between air and water filled spaces

Inner Ear (Cochlea)

• Inner and outer hair cells
• Shearing action of fluid on the cells creates a neural/electrical impulse

Auditory Nerve

• Sends the electrical impulses to the brain that we perceive as hearing