Väliskuulmekäik

Väliskuulmekäik refers to the external auditory canal, the passage that extends from the auricle (the visible part of the ear) to the tympanic membrane (eardrum). This cartilaginous and bony tube plays a crucial role in hearing by channeling sound waves from the environment into the middle ear.

The outer part of the external auditory canal is lined with skin containing hair follicles and sebaceous glands, as well as ceruminous glands that produce earwax. This earwax, along with the hairs, helps to trap dust, debris, and foreign particles, preventing them from reaching the eardrum. The canal's shape and its slightly S-shaped curve also contribute to protecting the delicate structures within the ear.

The length of the external auditory canal varies slightly between individuals and genders, but it is typically around 2.5 centimeters in adults. It terminates at the tympanic membrane, a thin, cone-shaped membrane that vibrates when struck by sound waves. These vibrations are then transmitted to the ossicles of the middle ear, initiating the process of hearing. Infections or blockages of the external auditory canal can lead to discomfort, hearing loss, and other ear-related problems.