How we hear
See inside the vital organs that help us to communicate and make sense of our surroundings
Words by Ailsa Harvey
Our ears are always alert. Whether we are relying on them to relay the sounds of verbal conversations or placing devices into them to listen to music, these organs have the power to enhance our lives.
Hearing not only brings us joy through the pleasant sounds of our favourite melodies and the calming noises of nature, it also serves as a life-saving function. When danger approaches, our ears can act as first responders, detecting the sound of footsteps behind us, speeding cars or the warning of a fire alarm. The ability to hear these sounds means we can sense things from more than one direction at a time – something our eyes alone cannot achieve.