Ear Surgery Information Center

This second component is made up of the three bones of hearing and the ear drum. They can be thought of as the conversion element in the hearing/balance process.

The vibration of the ear drum (called the tympanic membrane) resembles the vibration issued from a drum head; the vibration's energy is transferred to the three bones of hearing:

• the malleus (hammer),striking on
• the incus (anvil) and activating
• the stirrup bone (stapes) which vibrates in and out of an oval window.

Vibration here enervates the fluids in the inner ear's cochlea.

The ear drum can be perforated by an accidental injury and bring on infection or other injuries and hearing loss. The repair of the ear drum (called tympanoplasty) is a common surgical avenue for restoration of hearing.

Damage or disruption of the functioning of the bones of hearing are also repairable. Certain conditions may limit the actual movement of those bones, thus limiting the transmission of sound waves. A deposit of bone may fixate the stapes bone. This process is called otosclerosis; the abnormal bone fixes the stapes in position, not allowing it to vibrate properly.

Conductive hearing loss follows.

The reconstruction of the bones of hearing is known as ossiculoplasty and may involve replacement of the incus and/or the stapes bone. These are yet other successful surgical procedures.

To learn about the inner ear, please click here

The Ear Surgery Information Center offers and maintains this web site to provide information of a general nature about the conditions requiring the services of an ear surgeon. The information is provided with the understanding that ESIC is not engaged in rendering surgical or medical advice or recommendations. Any information in the publications, messages, postings or articles on the web site should not be considered a substitute for consultation with a board-certified otolaryngologist (ear, nose and throat specialist) to address individual medical needs. Individuals' particular facts and circumstances will determine the treatment which is most appropriate. All information contained within this web site is the copyrighted property of the Ear Surgery Information Center.