eardrum
1 of 1noun/ˈɪrdrʌm/
Forms:eardrums
1
a thin piece of skin in the middle ear that vibrates by sound waves and enables one to hear sounds, also known as tympanic membrane
C2Learn more on WikipediaThe eardrum, also known as the tympanic membrane, is a thin, cone-shaped membrane located in the middle ear. It separates the outer ear from the middle ear and plays a crucial role in the process of hearing. When sound waves enter the ear, they cause the eardrum to vibrate, which in turn transmits these vibrations to the bones of the middle ear, allowing sound to be amplified and transmitted further into the inner ear for processing.
- The eardrum, also known as the tympanic membrane, vibrates in response to sound waves entering the ear canal.
- Infections or trauma to the eardrum can cause pain, hearing loss, and fluid accumulation in the middle ear.
- The eardrum is crucial for transmitting sound vibrations from the outer ear to the middle ear ossicles.
- A perforated eardrum, or tympanic membrane rupture, may require medical treatment to prevent infection and promote healing.
- Pressure changes during air travel can sometimes cause discomfort or pain in the ears due to unequal pressure on the eardrums.
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