Where is the middle ear?
Inside the temporal bone, between the tympanic membrane (eardrum) and the inner ear. The auditory (Eustachian) tube connects it to the nasopharynx.
What does the middle ear do?
The malleus, incus and stapes pass vibrations from the eardrum to the oval window of the inner ear and increase their pressure about 20-fold. The auditory tube keeps the air pressure equal on both sides of the eardrum.
Clinical relevance of the middle ear
- Acute otitis media causes ear pain, fever and a red, bulging eardrum; it is common in young children.
- Fluid behind the eardrum (otitis media with effusion) causes temporary conductive hearing loss.
- Otosclerosis fixes the stapes in place and causes slowly progressive conductive hearing loss.
Nursing focus: the middle ear
- After tympanostomy tubes, follow the surgeon's instructions on keeping water out of the ears.
- Teach parents to avoid propping bottles and secondhand smoke, both linked to ear infections.