Definition The eardrum, also called tympanic membrane (Membrana tympani), is an essential part of the sound conducting apparatus of the human ear and forms the boundary between the external auditory canal and the middle ear. Anatomy The round to longitudinal oval eardrum measures about 9-11mm in its longest diameter and is only 0.1mm thick. Its … Eardrum
Diseases of the eardrum Due to its small thickness and its sensitive structure, the eardrum is quite susceptible to injuries. Hard objects can cause direct trauma (perforation). Indirect injuries in the form of ruptures of the eardrum (rupture) can occur as a result of blows to the ear or nearby explosions (so-called barotrauma). In this … Diseases of the eardrum | Eardrum
Eardrum vibrates It is part of the regular function of the eardrum that it is set into vibration and oscillation by sound waves. Normally, these vibrations are not noticeable. However, in the context of certain diseases, symptoms such as noticeable vibration, humming and other disturbing noises in the ear can occur. The causes can be … Eardrum vibrates | Eardrum
The middle ear amplifies sound waves that arrive at the eardrum and cause it to vibrate. This is necessary because the sensory cells in the inner ear are embedded in fluid, and sound is perceived less strongly in fluid (you know the effect when you are immersed in the bathtub). How is the amplification achieved? … Inner Ear: Functions
Diseases of the middle ear cause hearing to become more difficult. In the middle ear, inflammatory changes are most common – and usually in the context of a throat infection that spreads through the Eustachian tube. Children in particular often suffer from concomitant otitis media in adults it occurs more often in the context of … Inner Ear: Diseases
Every child knows that our ears are responsible for hearing; however, balance and spatial awareness are also other important tasks of the inner ear. We explain how the middle ear and inner ear are structured, what their functions are and what diseases can occur. What exactly belongs to the middle and inner ear, where exactly … Inner Ear: What Happens Behind the Eardrum
Tympanic membrane injuries (also: tympanic membrane perforation, tympanic membrane rupture) include ruptures (tears) and perforations (holes) in the membrana tympani. Injuries to the tympanic membrane are usually due to inflammation of the middle ear (otitis media) or direct or indirect force. What are tympanic membrane injuries? Sharp ear pain is the most typical characteristic of … Tympanic Membrane Injuries: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment