Dictionary

ear, external See ear, outer.

ear, inner A highly complex structure whose essential component for hearing is the membranous labyrinth, where the fibers of the auditory nerve connect the ear to the brain. The membranous labyrinth is a system of communicating sacs and ducts (tubes) filled with fluid (endolymph), and it is lodged within a cavity called the bony labyrinth….

ear, internal See ear, inner.

ear, low-set A minor anomaly in which the ear is situated below the normal location. Technically, the ear is low-set when the helix of the ear meets the cranium at a level below that of a horizontal plane through both inner canthi (the inside corners of the eyes). The presence of two or more minor…

ear, malrotated See ear, slanted.

ear, middle A part of the ear that consists of the eardrum (tympanic membrane) and, beyond it, a cavity (tympanum). This cavity is connected to the pharynx (nasopharynx) via a canal known as the Eustachian tube. The middle ear cavity also contains a chain of three little bones, the ossicles (the malleus, incus, and stapes),…

ear, outer The part of the ear that is visible along the side of the head. The outer ear consists of the pinna, or auricle (the visible projecting portion of the ear), the external acoustic meatus (the outside opening to the ear canal), and the external ear canal, which leads to the eardrum. The outer…

ear, slanted A minor anomaly in which the ear is slanted more than usual—more than 15 degrees from the perpendicular. The presence of two or more minor anomalies such as this one in a child increases the probability that the child has a major malformation. Slanted ears are a common sign of fetal alcohol spectrum…

ear, swimmer’s See ear infection, external.

ear piercing The practice of using a needle or needle gun to make holes through the ear lobe or other parts of the ear so that jewelry can be worn. Ear piercing can result in inflammation and/or infection. Infected ear piercings should be washed and then treated with antibiotic cream. Further treatment involves either allowing…

ear pit A tiny pit in front of the ear, also called a preauricular pit. This minor anomaly is of no consequence in and of itself. It is more common in blacks than in whites, and in females than males. It can recur in families. However, the presence of two or more minor anomalies such…

ear puncture Puncture of the eardrum. Ear puncture may be due to an accident, as when something is stuck into the ear, or due to fluid pressure in the middle ear. The eardrum is occasionally punctured intentially via surgery. A tiny incision (myringotomy) is made in the eardrum to allow fluid trapped behind the eardrum,…