inner ear

noun

: the essential organ of hearing and equilibrium that is located in the temporal bone, is innervated by the auditory nerve, and includes the vestibule, the semicircular canals, and the cochlea

Examples of inner ear in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Surgically inserting a shunt (a small tube) into the inner ear can drain fluid to improve hearing and tinnitus symptoms. —Carley Millhone, Health, 20 Oct. 2024

Antihistamines target the balancing center in the inner ear. —Marlene Cimons, Washington Post, 29 June 2024

While some parts of the ear can repair themselves, the inner ear cannot. —Jillian Hubertz, Discover Magazine, 5 Oct. 2024

The two most common types of inner ear infections are labyrinthitis and vestibular neuritis. —Rachael Zimlich, Bsn, Rn, Verywell Health, 21 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1855, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

inner ear

noun

: the part of the ear that is most important for hearing, is located in a cavity in the temporal bone, and contains the ends of the nerves which send nerve impulses concerned with hearing and balance to the brain

Medical Definition

inner ear

noun

: the essential part of the vertebrate organ of hearing and equilibrium that typically is located in the temporal bone, is innervated by the auditory nerve, and includes the vestibule, the semicircular canals, and the cochlea

called also internal ear