The middle ear

The middle ear is an air-filled chamber, located behind the eardrum. It is connected to the nasal and throat passage by the Eustachian tube. This tube serves the purpose of equalizing the ear pressure on both sides of the eardrum.

The Eustachian tube is usually closed but is opened naturally when you swallow or yawn.

When the sound reaches the eardrum, the sound waves cause the eardrum to vibrate, transmitting the sound to the delicate bones of the ossicular chain. These tiny articulated bones – commonly referred to as the hammer, anvil and stirrup –mechanically connect the eardrum to the oval window of the inner ear. The movement of this oval window transmits the pressure waves of the sound into the inner ear.

 

Find out more about:

• The outer ear
  
• The inner ear
  
• Hearing tests

 

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