Ear Anatomy
The external ear is also called the pinna or auricle. The anatomical features labeled here are of primary importance to the hearing healthcare provider. Several of these anatomical landmarks hold special significance for the creation of a proper fitting earpiece.
Antihelix
A ridge of cartilage that is part of the pinna, just above the concha
Antitragus
A ridge of cartilage opposite the tragus
Aperture
The opening of the ear canal
Auricle or pinna
The external ear
Concha
The lower bowl-shaped cavity just outside of the opening of the ear canal
Ear canal
The 2 to 3 cm long external auditory meatus, consisting of an outer cartilaginous portion and an inner bony portion
Heel
The intertragal notch located at the bottom of the concha bowl
Helix lock (curl)
A recessed "crevice" at the upper part of the ear, just above the valley
Tragus
A small ridge in front of the external opening of the ear canal
Valley (earpiece) crus (ear)
The horizontal piece of cartilage located outside the ear canal that divides the upper and lower parts of the ear
Types of Hearing Loss
Hearing loss is defined as either conductive (often responsive to medical or surgical treatment) or sensorineural (from disease or damage in the cochlea - inner ear - or along the nerve pathway from the inner ear to the brain).28 million people in the United States are affected by hearing loss in one or both ears. With the incidence of noise induced hearing loss occurring at younger and younger ages, it is important to understand how a noise induced hearing loss occurs, and what you can do to prevent it.
