Family Health with
Jenna Evans
CONTINUING THE TOUR of our marvellous heads, this month we're popping by the ears. Now, I'm sure we all know where to find our ears so let's pretend we're a sound wave bouncing around
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16 THE VISITOR April 2022
merrily. We'll find ourselves caught and amplified by the outer (visible) portion aka the pinna or auricle. Channelled into the external auditory canal, the tube that connects the outer ear to the middle ear, we'll bump into the tympanic membrane (eardrum). While we're in the middle ear, let's say hello to the eustachian tube which connects to the back of the nose. The eustachian tube is lined with mucus and helps maintain equilibrium of pressure in this delicate area, which in turn aids the transfer of sound. In the middle ear , we'll be amplified by the three small bones or ossicles – malleus (hammer), incus (anvil) and stapes (stirrup). And then it's onwards to the inner ear. There's lots of fluid to slosh around in here, inside the structures of the cochlea (with the cochlear nerve which sends audio sensory information to the brain), vestibule and semicircular canals (labyrinthine) both of which are involved in balance and movement. At the end of our
journey we'll be converted to electrical impulses and sent off to the brain. Before we move to the pathology portion, lets have a moment of wonder as we consider some ear facts. The ears are self cleaning. The outer third of the ear canal produces cerumen (earwax), which works it's way outwards as we move the jaw to talk or eat. The 6 smallest bones of the body are found in our ears with the tiniest being the stapes. There are thousands of miniscule hairs in the inner ear busily bringing sound and balance to our beings. It's no wonder that things may go a little awry sometimes! Let's have a look at two of the most common issues I see – tinnitus and congestion. Tinnitus, which involves noises such as ringing and buzzing in the ears can be a very debilitating problem. There are a few causes and it is wise to get a diagnosis from your GP before self treating. Sufferers may find that white noise machines or even having the radio on, can be helpful,
