How Does Hearing Work?
Outer ear
This consists of the pinna (the part you can see) and the ear canal. The outer ear collects sound and channels it to the eardrum.
Middle ear
This is the eardrum and, behind it, an air-filled space containing three tiny bones. The middle ear transmits sound vibrations from the eardrum to the inner ear. The Eustachian tube ventilates the middle ear to the back of the nose (nasopharynx) allowing pressure in the middle ear to equalise with the outside air pressure.
Inner ear
The inner ear consists of the hearing organ (cochlea) and balance organ (semicircular canals). The cochlea is a fluid-filled space containing sensory hairs which vibrate in response to sound waves in the fluid. These vibrations are transmitted to the hearing nerve and then to the brain.
Watch the video
Watch the video below for an excellent animation of how hearing works.