S2.7.7 For the adult
How we hear
How does sound get from the air into your head?
What this chapter teaches
Shaking air goes along the ear canal and makes the eardrum vibrate. Tiny bones pass the shake on, and a nerve carries messages to the brain.
Three questions to ask
There is no one right wording. Listen for the idea.
- Can you follow a sound from a drum to your brain, step by step?
- Why do you think cupping a hand behind your ear helps?
- Why should nothing ever be pushed into the ear canal?
After the chapter, the learner can
- Point to the outer ear, ear canal and eardrum on a drawing
- Explain how vibrations travel to the eardrum
What they copy into their notebook
The outer ear collects sound. It goes along the ear canal. The eardrum shakes. Tiny bones pass the shake on. A nerve sends messages to the brain.