Hearing is one of the five senses, and is an important part of day-to-day life. Knowing the correct chronological sequence of events for hearing will help us understand how the ear actually works and what processes are occurring in order to allow us to hear.
The chronological sequence of events for hearing begins with the generation of sound waves from an external source, such as someone speaking or a musical instrument. These sound waves travel through the air and enter into the ear canal. As the sound waves enter the ear canal, they vibrate the tympanic membrane (ear drum) which is a thin sheet of tissue. This vibration is then transmitted through three small bones known as the ossicles, which amplify the vibration. The ossicles are the malleus, incus and stapes.
The vibration from the ossicles is then sent into the cochlea, which is a snail-shaped organ that is filled with fluid. Inside the cochlea are thousands of tiny hairs that help to detect the vibrations. When the hairs detect a vibration, they convert it into an electrical signal, which is then sent to the auditory nerve. The auditory nerve then sends the signal to the brain, where it is interpreted and understood.
The chronological sequence of events for hearing is an incredibly complex process that involves numerous components. However, understanding the steps involved is key to appreciating the importance of hearing and how it functions.