The anatomy of the outer and inner ear

Our ears are among the most complex organs. The ear is composed of four general areas that pick up sound waves and translate them into sounds in our brain. Our ability – or lack thereof – to hear has an impact on all aspects of our lives. Watch the animation to learn more about how we hear, the most common type of hearing loss, and how hearing aids can help.

Concha

Pinna

Cartilaginous

Ear Canal

Temporal None

Tympanic Membrane

Temporal Bone

Hammer

Anvil

Stirrup

Auditory Nerve

Semicircular Canals

Inner Hair Cells

Cochlea

Eustachian Tube

Explore the ear

Click on each dot to learn more about your ear

Outer ear
Middle ear
Inner ear
Central auditory pathway

Want to know more about the ear?

Do you have questions about the ear anatomy? Would you like to know more about hearing loss, or get a free hearing screening to assess your level of hearing loss? A Beltone hearing care professional can help.

Contact a hearing care professional