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The Human Ear – How It Works and Why It Matters
The human ear is an intricate organ that allows us to hear, process sounds, and maintain balance. Every sound you perceive — from conversation to music — is the result of a precise chain of mechanical and neurological actions inside the ear. Beyond hearing, the ear also helps you stay balanced and aware of your position in space.
When even one part of the ear is affected by wax buildup, infection, or inflammation, the impact on hearing and comfort can be significant. Understanding how the ear works helps explain many of the symptoms people experience when they visit for ear wax removal or hearing checks.
The Anatomy of the Human Ear
The ear is divided into three main parts: the outer, middle, and inner ear. Each section plays a unique role in collecting, transmitting, and interpreting sound.
The Outer Ear
The outer ear includes the pinna (the visible part of the ear) and the ear canal. Its main function is to collect sound waves and direct them inward toward the eardrum. The shape of the pinna helps capture sound efficiently and aids in identifying where sounds come from.
The ear canal also serves as a protective passage. It contains small glands that produce cerumen, or earwax, which helps trap dust and debris before they can reach deeper structures.
The Middle Ear
The middle ear begins at the eardrum (tympanic membrane). When sound waves strike the eardrum, it vibrates and transfers those vibrations to three small bones known as the ossicles — the malleus, incus, and stapes. These bones amplify and transmit the vibrations toward the inner ear.
The Eustachian tube connects the middle ear to the back of the throat and regulates air pressure on both sides of the eardrum. Proper pressure balance allows the eardrum to move freely, ensuring clear hearing.
The Inner Ear
Deep within the skull lies the inner ear, home to the cochlea and semicircular canals. The cochlea converts sound vibrations into electrical signals through tiny sensory cells called hair cells. These signals travel through the auditory nerve to the brain, where they are recognised as sound.
The semicircular canals work as part of the balance system, sending signals about movement and spatial orientation. When fluid in these canals shifts, the brain interprets the movement and helps you stay upright and balanced.
How Hearing Works
Hearing begins when sound waves enter the outer ear and move toward the eardrum. The vibrations pass through the ossicles, which amplify the sound before sending it into the cochlea. Inside the cochlea, specialised hair cells convert these mechanical vibrations into electrical impulses that travel to the brain via the auditory nerve.
A study published in The Journal of Neuroscience demonstrated that the brain doesn’t simply receive these signals — it actively interprets them based on previous sound experiences, allowing humans to identify voices, direction, and tone instantly. This neural interpretation makes hearing both a mechanical and cognitive process.
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Common Ear and Hearing Problems
Earwax Impaction
A complete blockage of the ear canal by wax is one of the most common causes of temporary hearing loss. It can develop from using cotton buds, earplugs, or hearing aids, which push wax deeper into the canal. Symptoms include fullness, muffled hearing, and itching.
Microsuction is the safest and most effective way to remove impacted wax. It uses gentle suction under direct visual guidance to clear the canal instantly.
Find your nearest clinic on our wax removal clinics page or book ear wax removal in Reigate and ear wax removal in Crawley where available.
Ear Infections
Ear infections are caused by bacteria or viruses.
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Otitis externa, or “swimmer’s ear,” affects the ear canal and causes pain, swelling, and sometimes discharge.
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Otitis media affects the middle ear and is common after colds or sinus infections.
Prompt treatment prevents complications such as fluid buildup and hearing loss.
After infection settles, residual wax and debris often persist; targeted microsuction cleaning resolves blockage and improves hearing comfort.
Tinnitus
Tinnitus is the perception of ringing, buzzing, or humming when no external sound is present. The British Tinnitus Association reports that around one in eight adults in the UK experience persistent tinnitus. Common triggers include prolonged noise exposure, ear infections, and wax blockage.
Clearing impacted wax with microsuction reduces conductive contributors to tinnitus for many people. Persistent tinnitus requires specialist review.
Hearing Loss
Hearing loss can be conductive (caused by a blockage or damage in the outer or middle ear), sensorineural (due to damage in the inner ear or auditory nerve), or mixed (a combination of both). Early assessment by a hearing specialist can identify the cause and guide appropriate management.
If you are unsure which type you have, book an assessment at an ear wax clinic near you.
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How to Keep Your Ears Healthy
Clean your ears safely by wiping the outer ear with a damp cloth. Avoid inserting anything into the ear canal. Exposure to loud sounds damages hair cells in the cochlea, so wearing ear protection in noisy environments helps preserve hearing.
Stay hydrated and maintain general health, as conditions such as allergies or sinus problems can affect the ears. The American Academy of Otolaryngology recommends regular ear checks, particularly if you use hearing aids or frequently experience wax buildup.
When to See a Specialist
Professional evaluation is necessary if you experience:
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Hearing loss or a blocked ear sensation
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Pain, pressure, or drainage
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Persistent tinnitus
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Dizziness or imbalance
A hearing specialist can assess your ear health and perform safe ear wax removal if necessary. Clinics offering microsuction or irrigation provide quick relief and improve hearing clarity immediately after the procedure.
Local appointments are available for Horley, Reigate and Crawley, East Grinstead, Tadworth, Epsom and Gravesendwith mobile options via home visits.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the function of the ear?
The ear detects sound waves and converts them into electrical signals for the brain to interpret. It also helps maintain body balance through the inner ear’s semicircular canals.
How do I know if I have a blocked ear?
You may notice muffled hearing, a feeling of fullness, or ringing sounds. If symptoms persist, professional ear cleaning is recommended.
Can earwax affect my hearing?
Yes. Hardened earwax can completely block the ear canal, causing temporary hearing loss until it is safely removed.
How does earwax removal help with hearing?
Once excess wax is cleared, sound waves can travel freely to the eardrum, restoring clarity and improving balance.
What causes ringing in the ears?
Ringing or tinnitus can be caused by noise exposure, wax impaction, or ear infections. Persistent tinnitus should be assessed by a specialist.
What’s the difference between hearing loss and temporary blockage?
Wax blockage usually causes temporary hearing loss that resolves after removal. Sensorineural hearing loss, by contrast, involves damage to the auditory nerve or inner ear.
Can ear infections cause permanent hearing loss?
Severe or untreated infections can damage middle ear structures, but early treatment prevents long-term effects in most cases.