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

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

This temporary shift in hearing could lead to permanent harm to inner ear structures and ultimately damage your hearing. —Jillian Hubertz, Discover Magazine, 5 Oct. 2024

The results, published Wednesday in the journal Science Advances, concluded that the fragment likely came from the inner ear of a 6-year-old. —Frances Vinall, Washington Post, 27 June 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