øret

øret refers to the organ of hearing and balance in humans and many animals. In Danish, øret is the definite form of øre. In humans, it comprises three integrated sections—the outer ear, the middle ear, and the inner ear—that work together to convert sound waves into neural signals and to sense head position and movement.

The outer ear consists of the pinna (the visible cartilaginous rim) and the external auditory canal. It collects sound and directs it toward the tympanic membrane (eardrum). The tympanic membrane vibrates in response to sound, initiating mechanical transmission toward the inner ear.

The middle ear contains the tympanic cavity and three small bones—the malleus (hammer), incus (anvil), and stapes (stirrup)—which amplify vibrations and transmit them to the inner ear via the oval window. The eustachian tube helps equalize pressure between the middle ear and the nasopharynx. Small muscles, the tensor tympani and stapedius, protect the ear from loud sounds by stiffening the ossicular chain.

The inner ear houses the cochlea, where sound-induced vibrations are converted into electrical impulses by hair cells; these signals travel via the vestibulocochlear nerve (cranial nerve VIII) to the brain. The vestibular system, comprising the semicircular canals, utricle, and saccule, detects head motion and linear acceleration, contributing to balance.

Ear development begins early in embryogenesis, with key structures forming from the otic placode. Common conditions affecting øret include otitis media and otitis externa, conductive or sensorineural hearing loss, tinnitus, and Menière’s disease. Age-related presbycusis and barotrauma can affect function. Protective measures include avoiding excessive noise exposure, vaccination where applicable, and screening in at-risk populations.