THE EARS

Next to the eyes, the ears are the most important sense organs and avenues of commu­nication with the world about us. Like the eyes, they are complicated anatomical structures whose receptor end-organs communicate with the brain. The sensation of sight is carried by light waves capable of traveling in a vacuum. The sensation of sound is transmitted to the ears through vibrations in the air. You cannot hear in a perfect vacuum.

The value of good hearing can hardly be overestimated.  Cover your ears with your hands tightly for two minutes and you will begin to understand what a lonesome world apart the deaf and partially deaf inhabit. It is no wonder that they often become seclusive and suspicious. In human experience danger is usually heard before it is seen.

All ears are divided into three parts: an outer, a middle, and an inner ear. The middle ear is a small, irregular chamber, lined with mucous membrane. It is connected with the throat through the narrow, short (IV2 inches long) mucus-lined opening called the auditory or Eustachian tube. The purpose of this tube is to permit equalization of air pressure in the middle ear, so that the pressure on the ear­drum will be the same on both sides. Air is forced into the Eustachian tube whenever you swallow, as you do automatically every few moments. You can "open" your Eustachian tubes by yawning. The inner ear is a very small, delicate, and complicated structure set deep in the temporal bone of the skull. It con­sists of two parts:

(1) a series of three semi­circular canals, which are essential to the maintenance of equilibrium, and

(2) the cochlea, a snail-shaped bony structure about the size of a pea, which carries the end-organ receptors of the hearing process.

Over stimulation of the receptors of the semi­circular canals confusion of them, one might say can produce dizziness, vertigo, and concomitant nausea and vomiting. This is what happens in motion sickness, when rid­ing in a tossing ship, a bumpy airplane, a fast automobile, or an ordinary merry-go-round. Many changes in the direction of motion over stimulate the receptors in the semicircu­lar canals. It is unaccustomed motion that produces motion sickness. Seasick individuals recover when they become used to the mo­tions of the boat. With experience in riding, people outgrow carsickness and trainsickness.

The middle ear is the most vulnerable to serious infections. These often travel up the Eustachian tube from the nose and throat. Swimming and diving can encourage such infections.

Two self-inflicted complications must be mentioned: indiscriminate use of nasal drops or sprays and improper blowing of the nose Infectious material from the running nose or sore throat is often forced up the Eustachian tube by noseblowing. When you blow your nose, especially if you have a cold, blow it gently. Do not close both nostrils at the same time.

Wax in the Ear

The accumulation of wax in the external auditory canal on occasion forms a plug which temporarily impedes hearing. This can be a frightening sensation, but it is not a serious condition. The important thing here is not to try to get the wax out by digging into the ear with a hairpin, matchstick, nail file, or paper clip. Such effort may force the plug in tighter, and may even result in scratching or perfo­rating the eardrum.

Wax plugs are best removed by a competent physician or an ear specialist, who will usu­ally float them out by irrigating the ear with a syringe. This is the best way to remove a foreign body, even an insect, from the ear There is much merit in the old axiom, "The only thing to put in your ear is your elbow."