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

The risk for meningitis may be higher because the implant creates a pathway from the outer ear to the inner ear, which is normally sterile. —Kelly Burch Published, Verywell Health, 11 Dec. 2024

These bones are connected to the inner ear (or, cochlea), which is similarly small and so fragile that doctors can’t biopsy it without causing deafness. —Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 20 Nov. 2024

Bacteria Can Build Up in the Ear Canal Bacteria love warm, dark, humid environments like your inner ear. —Julia Ries, Outside Online, 14 Nov. 2024

The vestibular nerve carries signals about balance and equilibrium from your inner ear to your brain. —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