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Anatomy of the Ear

Anatomy of the Ear

Auditory sensation, commonly called hearing, involves the transformation of sonic waves into neural impulses facilitated by the structures of the auditory organ. The prominent, flesh-like structure on the side of the head, called the auricle, directs sound waves towards the auditory canal. The auricle is often mislabeled as the pinna, a term more aligned with mobile structures like a feline's external ear. The auditory canal penetrates the cranium via the external auditory meatus of the...

The Auditory Ossicles

The Auditory Ossicles

The auditory ossicles of the middle ear transmit sounds from the air as vibrations to the fluid-filled cochlea. The auditory ossicles consist of two malleus (hammer) bones, two incus (anvil) bones, and two stapes (stirrups), one on each side. These bones develop during the fetal stage and are the ones to ossify first. They are fully mature at birth and do not grow afterward.
The aptly named stapes look very much like a stirrup. The three ossicles are unique to mammals, and each plays a role in...

The Cochlea

The Cochlea

The cochlea is a coiled structure in the inner ear that contains hair cells—the sensory receptors of the auditory system. Sound waves are transmitted to the cochlea by small bones attached to the eardrum called the ossicles, which vibrate the oval window that leads to the inner ear. This causes fluid in the chambers of the cochlea to move, vibrating the basilar membrane.

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 13, 2026

Enhanced Cochlear Coverage and Hearing Preservation in High-Frequency Hearing Loss via Electric Acoustic Stimulation with Longer Electrode

Enhanced Cochlear Coverage and Hearing Preservation in High-Frequency Hearing Loss via Electric Acoustic Stimulation with Longer Electrode

Published on: October 11, 2024

Auricular prostheses.

Philipp A Federspil¹

¹Department of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.

Advances in Oto-Rhino-Laryngology

|May 6, 2010

Summary

Modern auricular prostheses, or epitheses, utilize advanced silicones for realistic appearance. Bone-anchored titanium implants offer the most reliable fixation, ensuring long-lasting results and improved patient outcomes.

Area of Science:

Medical prosthetics
Anaplastology
Biomaterials science

Background:

Auricular prostheses, also known as epitheses, are artificial replacements for the auricle.
Historically, various materials were used, but modern silicones represent a significant advancement.
Retention methods have evolved from adhesives to more stable bone anchorage.

Purpose of the Study:

To review the advancements in auricular prostheses, focusing on materials and fixation methods.
To highlight the benefits of modern implant-retained auricular prostheses.
To position prosthetic rehabilitation as a viable alternative to reconstructive surgery.

Main Methods:

Review of historical and modern materials used in auricular prostheses.
Discussion of retention techniques, emphasizing bone anchorage with titanium implants.

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: Jun 13, 2026

Enhanced Cochlear Coverage and Hearing Preservation in High-Frequency Hearing Loss via Electric Acoustic Stimulation with Longer Electrode

Enhanced Cochlear Coverage and Hearing Preservation in High-Frequency Hearing Loss via Electric Acoustic Stimulation with Longer Electrode

Published on: October 11, 2024

Description of various implant systems, including solitary and grouped implants (e.g., Brånemark, ITI, Epitec, Epiplating).

Main Results:

Modern silicones provide superior aesthetics and coloring for auricular prostheses.
Titanium implants enable long-lasting osseointegration with minimal skin reaction.
Implant-retained prostheses offer secure fixation even in challenging anatomical situations.
Advantages include optimal camouflage, predictable cosmetic outcomes, and rapid rehabilitation.

Conclusions:

Implant-retained auricular prostheses, particularly those using titanium, offer a reliable and aesthetically pleasing solution.
This method provides significant advantages over traditional retention techniques and reconstructive surgery.
Prosthetic rehabilitation is a crucial and effective treatment option for auricular defects.