The Auditory System

The auditory system is how we perceive sounds. It starts with the outer ear, which collects sound waves and funnels them into the ear canal to the eardrum. Vibrations from the eardrum transfer to tiny bones in the middle ear, amplifying the sound. These vibrations then reach the cochlea in the inner ear, where hair cells convert them into electrical signals. These signals travel to the brain via the auditory nerve, allowing us to recognize and interpret sounds, like music or speech. This complex process enables balance and communication in our daily lives.