Ear is the sense organ that makes it possible for us to hear. Hearing is one of our most important senses. It enables us to communicate with one another through speech. The development of speech itself depends mostly on hearing. Children learn to talk by listening to and imitating the speech of other people. Hearing can also alert us to danger. We hear the warning honk of an automobile horn or the whistle of an approaching train. Even while asleep, we may hear a fire alarm or the barking of a watchdog. In addition, hearing provides pleasure. For example, it enables us to enjoy music, the singing of birds, and the sound of the surf.
Hearing is a complicated process. Everything that moves makes a sound. Sound consists of vibrations that travel in waves. Sound waves enter the ear and are changed into nerve signals that are sent to the brain. The brain interprets the signals as sounds.
Besides enabling us to hear, our ears help us keep our balance. The ears have certain organs that respond to movements of the head. These organs inform the brain about any changes in the position of the head. The brain then sends messages to various muscles that keep our head and body steady as we stand, sit, walk, or move in any way.
Many kinds of animals have ears similar to those of human beings, and some have an extremely keen sense of hearing. Hearing is vital to the safety and survival of numerous animals. Sounds may warn them of approaching enemies or other dangers. In addition, many animals sing, growl, hiss, or make other sounds and depend partly on their sense of hearing to communicate with one another.
