- Sound waves hit the eardrum.
- Vibrations of the eardrum pass on to tiny bones (the ossicles) in the middle ear - the malleus, incus and stapes. These bones transmit the vibrations to the cochlea in the inner ear.
- Sound signals are sent from the cochlea to the ear nerve and to the brain.
- The middle ear space behind the eardrum is normally filled with air.
- This air space connects to the back of the nose by the Eustachian tube.
©EMIS and PIP 2006 Updated: June 2006
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