It is not surprising that the hearing aid is considered to be the most perfect sensory organ in humans. It contains highest concentration nerve cells(over 30,000 sensors).

Human hearing aid

The structure of this apparatus is very complex. People understand the mechanism by which sounds are perceived, but scientists do not yet fully understand the sensation of hearing, the essence of signal transformation.

The structure of the ear consists of the following main parts:

• external;
• average;
• internal.

Each of the above areas is responsible for performing a specific job. The outer part is considered a receiver, which perceives sounds from the external environment, the middle part is an amplifier, and the inner part is a transmitter.

Structure of the human ear

The main components of this part:

• ear canal;
• auricle.

Auricle consists of cartilage (it is characterized by elasticity and elasticity). The skin covers it on top. At the bottom there is a lobe. This area has no cartilage. It includes adipose tissue, skin. The auricle is considered a rather sensitive organ.

Anatomy

The smaller elements of the auricle are:

• curl;
• tragus;
• antihelix;
• helix legs;
• antitragus.

Kosha is a specific covering lining the ear canal. It contains glands that are considered vital. They secrete a secret that protects against many agents (mechanical, thermal, infectious).

The end of the passage is represented by a kind of dead end. This specific barrier (tympanic membrane) is necessary to separate the outer and middle ear. It begins to vibrate when sound waves hit it. After the sound wave hits the wall, the signal is transmitted further, towards the middle part of the ear.

Blood flows to this area through two branches of arteries. The outflow of blood is carried out through the veins (v. auricularis posterior, v. retromandibularis). localized in front, behind the auricle. They also carry out the removal of lymph.

The photo shows the structure of the outer ear

Functions

Let's indicate significant functions, which are attached to the outer part of the ear. She is capable of:

• receive sounds;
• transmit sounds to the middle part of the ear;
• direct the sound wave to the inside of the ear.

Possible pathologies, diseases, injuries

Let us note the most common diseases:

Average

The middle ear plays a huge role in signal amplification. Strengthening is possible thanks to the auditory ossicles.

Structure

Let us indicate the main components of the middle ear:

• tympanic cavity;
• auditory (Eustachian) tube.

The first component (the eardrum) contains a chain inside, which includes small bones. The smallest bones play important role in the transmission of sound vibrations. The eardrum consists of 6 walls. Its cavity contains 3 auditory ossicles:

• hammer. This bone has a rounded head. This is how it is connected to the handle;
• anvil. It includes a body, processes (2 pieces) of different lengths. Its connection with the stirrup is made through a slight oval thickening, which is located at the end of the long process;
• stirrup. Its structure includes a small head bearing the articular surface, an anvil, and legs (2 pcs.).

Arteries go to tympanic cavity from a. carotis externa, being its branches. Lymphatic vessels directed to the nodes located on the side wall of the pharynx, as well as to those nodes that are localized behind the concha.

Structure of the middle ear

Functions

Bones from the chain are needed for:

1. Carrying out sound.
2. Transmission of vibrations.

The muscles located in the middle ear area specialize in performing various functions:

• protective. Muscle fibers protect inner ear from sound irritations;
• tonic. Muscle fibers are needed to maintain the chain auditory ossicles, tone eardrum;
• accommodative The sound-conducting apparatus adapts to sounds endowed with different characteristics(strength, height).

Pathologies and diseases, injuries

Among the popular diseases of the middle ear we note:

• (perforative, non-perforative,);
• catarrh of the middle ear.

Acute inflammation can occur with injuries:

• otitis, mastoiditis;
• otitis, mastoiditis;
• , mastoiditis, manifested by wounds temporal bone.

It can be complicated or uncomplicated. Among the specific inflammations we indicate:

• syphilis;
• tuberculosis;
• exotic diseases.

Anatomy of the external, middle, inner ear in our video:

Let us point out the significant importance of the vestibular analyzer. It is necessary to regulate the position of the body in space, as well as to regulate our movements.

Anatomy

The periphery of the vestibular analyzer is considered a part of the inner ear. In its composition we highlight:

• semicircular canals (these parts are located in 3 planes);
• statocyst organs (they are represented by sacs: oval, round).

The planes are called: horizontal, frontal, sagittal. The two sacs represent the vestibule. The round pouch is located near the curl. The oval sac is located closer to the semicircular canals.

Functions

Initially, the analyzer is excited. Then, thanks to the vestibulospinal nerve connections, somatic reactions occur. Such reactions are needed to redistribute muscle tone and maintain body balance in space.

The connection between the vestibular nuclei and the cerebellum determines mobile reactions, as well as all reactions to coordinate movements that appear when performing sports and labor exercises. To maintain balance, vision and muscle-articular innervation are very important.

Pathologies, diseases, injuries

Disturbances that may be present in the functioning of the vestibular apparatus are manifested in.

First, let's look at the structure of the external ear: it is supplied with blood through the branches of the external carotid artery. In innervation, except for branches trigeminal nerve, the auricular branch is often involved vagus nerve, it in turn branches into back wall ear canal. There are mechanical irritations of this wall and they often contribute to the appearance of the so-called reflex cough.

The structure of our outer ear is as follows; the outflow of lymph from the walls of the ear canal enters the nearest lymph nodes, which are located in front of the auricle, on the mastoid process itself and under the lower wall of the auditory canal. Educational processes that occur in the external auditory canal are quite often accompanied by significant enlargement and the appearance of pain in the area of ​​the following lymph nodes.

Let's look at the eardrum from the side of our ear canal, we can see a certain concavity in its center, which resembles a funnel. The deepest place in this concavity is the navel. In front and behind it is the handle of the malleus, which is fused with the fibrous-like layer of the tympanic membrane. At the very top, the handle ends in a small, pin-shaped prominence, which is a short process. And from it, the front and back folds diverge to the front and to the back. They separate the relaxed part of the eardrum from the tense part.

Structure and anatomy of the middle ear in humans

If we talk about the anatomy of the human middle ear, then here we see the tympanic cavity, the mastoid process and eustachian tube, they are interconnected. The tympanic cavity is a small space that is located inside the temporal bone, between the inner ear and the eardrum. The middle ear, its structure has the following feature: in front the tympanic cavity communicates with the nasopharynx cavity through the Eustachian tube, and in the back - through the entrance to the cave with the cave itself, as well as cells mastoid process. Also in this cavity there is air that enters it through the Eustachian tube.

The anatomy of the middle ear in infants under three years of age differs from the anatomy of the adult ear: newborn children lack a bony auditory canal, as well as a mastoid process. They have only one bone ring, in the inner edge of which there is a so-called bone groove. This is where the eardrum is inserted. The ring is missing from upper sections and there the eardrum is attached directly to the lower edge of the scales of the temporal bone, which is called the Rivinian notch. When a child turns three years old, his external auditory canal is fully formed.

When making a diagnosis for this or that reason, otolaryngologists, first of all, have to find out in which part of the ear the focus of the disease arose. Often patients complaining of pain cannot accurately determine where exactly the inflammation occurs. And all because they know little about the anatomy of the ear - a rather complex organ of hearing, consisting of three parts.

Below you can see a diagram of the structure of the human ear and learn about the features of each of its components.

There are quite a few diseases that lead to ear pain. To understand them, you need to know the anatomy of the ear. It includes three parts: the outer, middle and inner ear. The outer ear consists of the pinna, the external auditory canal, and the eardrum, which is the boundary between the outer and middle ear. The middle ear is located in the temporal ear. It includes the tympanic cavity, the auditory (Eustachian) tube and the mastoid process. The inner ear is a labyrinth consisting of the semicircular canals, responsible for the sense of balance, and the cochlea, responsible for converting sound vibrations into an impulse recognized by the cortex cerebral hemispheres brain.

The photo above shows a diagram of the structure of the human ear: inner, middle and outer.

Anatomy and structure of the external ear

Let's start with the anatomy of the external ear: it is supplied with blood through the branches of the external carotid artery. In addition to the branches of the trigeminal nerve, the innervation involves the auricular branch of the vagus nerve, which branches in the posterior wall of the auditory canal. Mechanical irritation of this wall often contributes to the appearance of the so-called reflex cough.

The structure of the outer ear is such that the outflow of lymph from the walls of the ear canal enters the nearest lymph nodes located in front of the auricle, on the mastoid process itself and under the lower wall of the ear canal. Inflammatory processes that occur in the external auditory canal are quite often accompanied by a significant increase and the appearance of pain in the data area.

If you look at the eardrum from the side of the ear canal, you can see a funnel-shaped concavity in its center. The most deep place This concavity in the structure of the human ear is called the navel. Starting from it anteriorly and upward, there is the handle of the malleus, fused with the fibrous layer of the tympanic membrane. At the top, this handle ends in a small, pinhead-sized prominence, which is a short process. The anterior and posterior folds diverge from it anteriorly and posteriorly. They separate the relaxed part of the eardrum from the tense part.

Structure and anatomy of the human middle ear

The anatomy of the middle ear includes the tympanic cavity, mastoid process and eustachian tube, which are interconnected. The tympanic cavity is a small space located inside the temporal bone, between the inner ear and the eardrum. The structure of the middle ear has the following feature: in front, the tympanic cavity communicates with the cavity of the nasopharynx through the Eustachian tube, and in the back, through the entrance to the cave, with the cave itself, as well as with the cells of the mastoid process. The tympanic cavity contains air that enters it through the Eustachian tube.

The anatomy of the structure of the human ear up to the age of three differs from the anatomy of the adult ear: newborn children do not have a bony auditory canal, as well as a mastoid process. They have only one bone ring, along the inner edge of which there is a so-called bone groove. The eardrum is inserted into it. In the upper regions, where there is no bony ring, the eardrum is attached directly to the lower edge of the squama of the temporal bone, which is called the Rivinian notch. When a child turns three years old, his external auditory canal is fully formed.

Diagram of the structure and anatomy of the human inner ear

The structure of the inner ear includes the bony and membranous labyrinths. The bony labyrinth surrounds the membranous labyrinth on all sides, looking like a case. The membranous labyrinth contains endolymph, and free space, remaining between the membranous and bony labyrinth, is filled with perilymph, or cerebrospinal fluid.

The bony labyrinth includes the vestibule, cochlea and three semicircular canals. The vestibule is the central part of the bony labyrinth. On its outer wall there is an oval window, and on the inner wall there are two impressions necessary for the vestibular sacs, which look like membranes. The anterior sac communicates with the membranous cochlea, located anterior to the vestibule, and the posterior sac communicates with the membranous semicircular canals, located posterior and superior to the vestibule itself. The anatomy of the inner ear is such that in the interconnected sacs of the vestibule there are otolithic devices, or terminal devices of statokinetic reception. They consist of a specific nerve epithelium, which is covered on top by a membrane. It contains otoliths, which are crystals of phosphate and carbon dioxide of lime.

The semicircular canals are located in three mutually perpendicular planes. The external canal is horizontal, the posterior one is sagittal, the upper one is frontal. Each of the semicircular canals has one dilated and one simple, or smooth, pedicle. The sagittal and frontal canals have one common smooth pedicle.

In the ampulla of each of the membranous canals there is a comb. It is a receptor and is a terminal nervous apparatus composed of highly differentiated nerve epithelium. The free surface of the epithelial cells is covered with hairs that perceive any displacement or pressure of the endolymph.

Receptors of the vestibule and semicircular canals are represented by the peripheral endings of the nerve fibers of the vestibular analyzer.

The cochlea is a bony canal that forms two whorls around a bony shaft. External resemblance to ordinary garden snail gave its name to this body.

This article has been read 68,537 times.

There are quite a lot of diseases that signal their development with ear pain. To determine what specific disease has affected the hearing organ, 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 the position of the 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. It has a complex shape. In its lower segment there is a lobe - this is a small fold of skin 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. Outer ear completely lines skin, 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 anterior 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 its posterior part - with the mastoid process through the entrance to its cavity. There is air in the tympanic cavity, which enters through the Eustachian tube.

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. Consists of:

• 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. The vibrations that occur in the 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 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 characteristics determined by genetics 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.

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 the dense bone of the 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 hearing aid and 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: the 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 front of the auricle, and the passage itself is directed inward and slightly forward. The auricle concentrates sound vibrations and directs them into 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 get into 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 tympanic membrane separates the inner end of the external auditory canal from the tympanic cavity - a flattened, rectangular shape space filled with air. In this cavity of the middle ear there is a chain of three movably articulated miniature bones (ossicles), which transmit 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 auditory tube, which opens into the lower front 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. Facial nerve passes through the middle ear cavity on its way to facial muscles faces. 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 passes through inner surface eardrum. Then the nerve goes forward and down under lower jaw, where branches extend from it to taste buds language. 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 The inner ear, containing a large number of chambers and passages between them, is called the 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; there are three components in it: semicircular canals - one of the sources of nerve impulses that reflect 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 the other 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 channel along its entire length there is bony prominence. 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 high concentration sodium ions, while the endolymph has a high concentration of potassium ions. The most important function endolymph, which is positively charged in relation to perilymph, is the creation of an electrical potential on the membrane separating them, which provides energy for the process of amplifying incoming sound signals.

The scala vestibule begins in a spherical cavity - the vestibule, which lies at the base of the cochlea. One end of the scala through the oval window (the window of the vestibule) comes into contact with the inner wall of the air-filled cavity of the middle ear. The scala tympani communicates with the middle ear through the round window (window of the cochlea). Liquid cannot pass through these windows, since the oval window is closed by the base of the stapes, and the round window by a thin membrane separating it from the middle ear. The spiral canal of the cochlea is separated from the scala tympani so-called. the main (basilar) membrane, which resembles a miniature string instrument. It contains a number of parallel fibers of varying lengths and thicknesses stretched across a helical channel, with the fibers at the base of the helical channel being short and thin. They gradually lengthen and thicken towards the end of the cochlea, like the strings of a harp. The membrane is covered with rows of sensitive, hair-equipped cells that make up the so-called. the organ of Corti, which performs a highly specialized function - converts vibrations of the main membrane into nerve impulses. Hair cells are connected to the endings of nerve fibers that, upon exiting the organ of Corti, form the auditory nerve (cochlear branch of the vestibulocochlear nerve).
PHYSIOLOGY OF HEARING AND BALANCE
Hearing. Sound waves cause vibrations of the eardrum, which are transmitted along the chain of ossicles of the middle ear (auditory ossicles) and reach the inner ear in the form of oscillatory movements of the base of the stapes in the oval window of the vestibule. In the inner ear, these vibrations propagate as fluid pressure waves through the scala vestibule to the scala tympani and along the spiral canal of the cochlea. Thanks to its structure, which mechanically provides tuning, the main membrane vibrates in accordance with the frequencies of incoming sounds, and in some limited place the amplitude of its vibrations is sufficient to excite the adjacent cells of the organ of Corti and transmit impulses to the endings of the nerve fibers with which they are connected . Thus, by activating certain fibers by the organ of Corti auditory nerve encodes the information the brain uses to differentiate between individual tones.

Equilibrium.
Balance when moving. When the head turns in one of three planes corresponding to the location of the semicircular canals, the fluid in one of the canals moves towards the ampulla, and in the opposite (in the other ear) - away from the ampulla. A change in fluid pressure in the ampoule stimulates a group of sensory cells connected to nerve fibers, which, in turn, transmit signals about changes in body position to the brain. Vertical channels are stimulated by jumping or falling, and horizontal channels by turning or spinning.
Balance at rest. The semicircular canals are involved in maintaining body balance during movement, and the utricle and sac are sensitive to the static position of the head relative to gravity. Inside the sac and utricle are small groups of cells with short, protruding hairs; above them there is a gelatinous layer containing crystals of calcium carbonate - otoliths. The gelatinous layer (otolithic membrane) is quite heavy and rests only on hairs. In one position of the head, some hairs bend, in another, others. Information from these hair cells travels to the brain through the vestibular nerve (vestibular branch of the vestibulocochlear nerve).
Reflex (automatic) maintenance of balance. Everyday experience shows that a person does not think about maintaining balance or about his position relative to gravity. This happens because the corresponding adaptive reactions are automatic. A whole series of complex reflexes, controlling tone skeletal muscles. Reflexes are closed at the level of brain stem structures or in spinal cord, i.e. without the participation of higher centers and consciousness (see REFLEX). Another set of reflexes connects signals coming from the semicircular canals with oculomotor reactions, due to which, when the eyes move, they automatically keep a certain area of ​​​​space in the field of vision.
EAR DISEASES
The ear and surrounding structures contain a variety of tissue types, each of which can serve as a source of disease; therefore ear diseases include wide range pathological conditions. Any disease of the skin, cartilage, bones, mucous membranes, nerves or blood vessels may be localized in or around the ear. Eczema and skin infections- quite common diseases of the external ear. The external auditory canal is especially susceptible to them due to the fact that it is dark, warm and moist. Eczema is difficult to treat. Its main symptoms are peeling and cracking of the skin, accompanied by itching, burning and sometimes discharge. Infectious inflammation external ear subjectively causes a lot of trouble, since the hard wall of the canal and the proximity of the bone cause compression of the irritated skin in the event of a boil or other inflammatory process; as a result, even a very small boil that would be barely noticeable in soft tissues, can be extremely painful in the ear. Also often found fungal infections external auditory canal.
Infectious diseases of the middle ear. The infection causes inflammation of the middle ear ( otitis media); it enters the tympanic cavity from the nasopharynx through the canal connecting them - the auditory tube. The eardrum becomes red, tense and painful. Pus may accumulate in the middle ear cavity. In severe cases, a myringotomy is performed, i.e. the eardrum is incised to allow drainage of pus; under the pressure of accumulated pus, it can rupture spontaneously. Usually, otitis media responds well to treatment with antibiotics, but sometimes the disease progresses and mastoiditis (inflammation of the mastoid process of the temporal bone), meningitis, brain abscess, or other severe infectious complications, which may require urgent surgical intervention. Acute infectious inflammation of the middle ear and mastoid process can become chronic, which, despite mild severe symptoms, continues to threaten the patient. The introduction of plastic drainage and ventilation tubes into the cavity reduces the likelihood of relapse acute condition. The most important complication of middle ear diseases is hearing loss caused by impaired sound conduction. The patient appears fully recovered after treatment with penicillin or other antibiotics, but a small amount of fluid remains inside the tympanic cavity, and this is enough to cause hearing loss, accompanied by tension, fatigue and poor understanding of speech. This condition - secretory otitis media - can lead to a decrease in the child's performance at school. The paucity of symptoms does not allow a quick diagnosis, but treatment is simple - a small incision is made in the eardrum and fluid is removed from the cavity. Recurrent infection in this area can lead to adhesive (adhesive) otitis with the formation of adhesions in the tympanic cavity or to partial destruction of the eardrum and auditory ossicles. In these cases, correction is carried out using surgical operations, united under the general name of tympanoplasty. A middle ear infection can also cause tinnitus. Tuberculosis and syphilis of the ear are almost always associated with the presence of a focus of the corresponding infection in the body. Ear cancer can occur in any part of the ear, but is rare. Sometimes develop benign tumors, requiring surgical intervention. Meniere's disease is a disease of the inner ear, characterized by hearing loss, ringing in the ears and dizziness - from mild dizziness and unsteadiness of gait to severe attacks with total loss balance. Eyeballs make involuntary fast rhythmic movements (horizontal, less often vertical or circular), called nystagmus. Many, even quite severe cases, can be therapeutic treatment; if it fails, they resort to surgical destruction of the labyrinth. Otosclerosis is a disease of the bone capsule of the labyrinth, which leads to a decrease in the mobility of the base of the stapes in the oval window of the inner ear and, as a consequence, to impaired sound conduction and hearing loss. In many cases, significant improvement in hearing is achieved through surgery.
EAR SURGERY
Ear surgery specializes in surgical treatment deformations, infectious processes in the ear and surrounding tissues and in the surgical treatment of deafness. The complexity and fragility of the structures of the inner ear delayed the development of ear surgery until the end of the 19th century, since most attempts surgical intervention ended sadly. Era modern surgery ear disease began in 1885, when German otolaryngologists G. Schwarze and A. Eisell proposed a carefully developed technique for draining and opening the air cells of the mastoid process as a way to treat it chronic inflammation. Tympanoplasty. Since 1950 many have been developed surgical techniques restoration of damaged parts of the middle ear. Latest achievements in this area have become possible largely thanks to the advent of the operating microscope, which allows surgeons to carry out delicate manipulations aimed at restoring the fragile structures of the middle ear. A damaged or scarred eardrum can be replaced by a transplant connective tissue from the surface of the nearby temporalis muscle. If the damage extends to the bones of the inner ear, transplantation of the eardrum and the entire chain of auditory ossicles using cadaveric material is possible.
Stirrup prostheses. Deafness caused by impaired sound conduction may be associated with blockage of stapes vibrations in the oval window of the cochlea due to scar formation. In this case, sound vibrations do not reach the cochlear canal. For early stages process, a method of remobilization of the stapes was developed (destruction of scar tissue, replacement of the membrane oval window or both) and fenestration (creating a new opening in the cochlear canal). The development of prostheses to replace several or all of the ossicles of the tympanic cavity has simplified operations and significantly improved their results. A stapes prosthesis made of Teflon, tantalum or ceramic helps restore sound transmission from the eardrum to the cochlea.
Cochlear prostheses. In sensorineural (caused by impaired perception of sound) deafness, the hair cells of the organ of Corti are damaged or absent, i.e. sound vibrations are not converted into electrical impulses of the auditory nerve. If the auditory nerve is still functioning, hearing can be partially restored by implanting an electrode into the cochlea and directly stimulating the nerve fibers electric shock. Several devices have been developed that convert sounds picked up by an external microphone into electrical signals that are transmitted through the skin to the cochlea, causing irritation of nearby auditory nerve fibers. These nerve impulses are perceived by the brain as sound, similar to impulses from the hair cells of the organ of Corti. However, the sound quality is still low and even in best cases it is barely enough to partially understand speech.
Plastic surgery of the ear. Methods plastic surgery used to correct congenital or trauma-related ear deformities. So, for example, appearance If the outer ear has suffered multiple injuries, it can be restored by transplanting cartilage and skin from other parts of the body. Plastic surgery methods can also improve the appearance of patients with protruding ears.
See also DEAFNESS; RUMOR.

Collier's Encyclopedia. - Open Society. 2000 .

Synonyms:

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. Tinnitus. 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