

In so doing it allows air into the middle ear to replace air that has been absorbed by the middle ear lining (mucous membranes) or to equalize pressure changes occurring due to altitude changes. When functioning properly the eustachian tube opens for a fraction of a second periodically (about once every three minutes) in response to swallowing or yawning. The eustachian tube functions as a pressure equalizing valve for the middle ear which is normally filled with air. The eustachian tube is a narrow one and a half inch long channel connecting the middle ear with the nasopharynx, the upper throat area just above the palate, in the back of the nose. When the problem effects both systems it creates a mixed hearing loss. If there is a problem in the inner ear, a sensorineural hearing loss results. The inner ear creates the electrical signal and transmits it through the nerve. If there is a problem with external or middle ear it was cause a conductive hearing loss. Since the external and middle ear conduct sound. When those hair cells are displaced they generate an electrical signal that is transmitted by the hearing nerve to the brain where it processed. This fluid wave generated by the ossicles causes movement of tiny hair cells within the cochlea. The inner ear is contained within the densest bone in the body. The stapes interfaces with the fluid that fills the inner ear (or cochlea), and its movement causes a fluid wave to pass through the inner ear. Vibration of the ear drum causes movement of the hearing bones. These bones are known as ossicles and are the smallest bones in the body. The middle ear contains three hearing bones: the malleus (hammer), incus (anvil), and stapes (stirrup). The eustachian tube serves as a pressure regulating valve for the middle ear. This chamber is connected to the back of the nose by the eustachian tube. The middle ear lies between the ear drum and the inner ear. These structures gather sound and direct it towards the ear drum (tympanic membrane), which separates the external ear from the middle ear. The external ear consists of an auricle and ear canal. Each part performs and important function in the process of hearing. There are three parts to the ear: the external ear, the middle ear, and the inner ear. Eustachian Tube Problems Mechanism of Hearing
