Define ear and give its basic function.

Hint: Ear is an important sensory organ of the human body. It is a very sensitive organ which transmits and transduces sound to the brain.

Complete step by step answer:
Ear is the organ of hearing in mammals. It consists of three parts-
1. The outer ear- It is the external part of the ear which collects the sound waves and directs them into the ear. The pinna is the visible external part of the ear. It acts as a funnel which directs the sound further into the ear. It also helps in overcoming the inside and outside pressure. The auditory canal is 2-3 cm long and transmits sound from pinna to the eardrum. The eardrum or tympanic membrane vibrates on receiving sound waves
2. The middle ear- It is the part between the eardrum and the oval window. It consists of three bones- malleus, incus, stapes. It further helps in transmitting the vibrations to the oval window and round window. The Eustachian tube is also present in the middle ear which helps in equalising pressure.
3. The inner ear- It consists of cochlea, the vestibular and auditory nerves. The cochlea transforms the sound waves into electric impulses. The auditory nerves carry information from cochlea to brain.

Function of ear-
1. The major function of ear is to detect, transmit and transducer sound.
2. It also helps in maintaining the balance of the body.

Note:
When the ears are not functioning properly, several problems like hearing loss, cognitive decline, balance issues and delay in speech are faced. In such cases hearing aids are used to make sounds louder. It is an electronic device worn behind the ear.