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Physiology of Hearing Otolaryngology
Physiology of Hearing Otolaryngology
Physiology of Hearing Otolaryngology
System
Dr.Sherif Bugnah
ENT Resident
Components of the Hearing Mechanism (by function)
4
Mastoid Process
• Bony ridge behind the
auricle
• protects cochlea and
vestibular system
• Provides support to the
external ear and
posterior wall of the
middle ear cavity
• Contains air cavities
which can be reservoir
for infection
5
Tympanic Membrane
• Thin membrane
• Forms boundary
between outer and
middle ear
• Vibrates in
response to sound
• Changes acoustical
energy into
mechanical energy
6
The Ossicular Chain
7
Eustachian Tube
• Mucous-lined, connects middle
ear cavity to nasopharynx
• “Equalizes” air pressure in
middle ear
• Normally closed, opens under
certain conditions(swallowing)
• Pathway for infection
• Children “grow out of” most
middle ear problems as this
tube lengthens and becomes
more vertical
• Not a part of the hearing
process
8
9
Stapedius Muscle
• Attaches to stapes
• Contracts in response to loud sounds;
(the Acoustic Reflex)
• Changes stapes mode of vibration;
makes it less efficient and reduce
loudness perceived
• Absent acoustic reflex could signal
conductive loss or marked
sensorineural loss
Cochlea
Cochlea
Cochlea
■ Oval Window – located at
the footplate of the stapes;
when the footplate vibrates,
the cochlear fluid is set into
motion (vibrations in the
oval window are 20X larger
than those in the eardrum)
On top of the hair cells sits the tectorial membrane which is
attached only along its inner edge. The stereocilia (hairs) of the
outer hair cells are embedded in the tectorial membrane, but
those of the inner hair cells are moved by movement of the fluid
in the space between the hair cells and the tectorial membrane.
Cochlea cross-section
16
Organ of Corti
19
Inner vs Outer Hair Cells
21
22
The End