The document discusses the anatomy and function of the ear, including its role in both hearing and balance. It describes the three main sections of the ear - outer, middle, and inner ear. The inner ear contains structures like the cochlea and semicircular canals that are responsible for hearing and sensing balance/orientation. The field of audiology studies hearing and deals with identifying, diagnosing, and treating hearing disorders. Audiology professionals require specific education and licensure to practice.

1. The Science of Balance and Hearing
The ears may appear to be just a
dangling appendage on your head but
they are actually intricate organs
responsible for both hearing and balance.
The ear has three major sections:
1) the outer ear, which includes the
earlobe and ear canal
2) the middle ear, comprised of the eardrum and the little ear
bones and muscles beyond the drum
3) the inner ear, which is where things get really interesting
This inner ear portion has a bony structure that is divided into the
cochlea, the semicircular canals and the vestibule. Together, the
latter two are constantly working with the rest of your body to
adjust and sense your orientation in relation to the pull of gravity
on earth. This is what's known as balance.
The cochlea transmits the sound vibrations from the ear canal
and middle ear into pitches when the sound travels over tiny
"hair" cells inside of it. The pitches are then converted into
electrical impulses that travel to the brain via the cochlear nerve.
This branch of science that studies how humans perceive and use
sound is called audiology. Since it deals with the body, the field is
largely focused in the health care industry where professionals
are involved with identifying, diagnosing, treating and evaluating
hearing disorders. Some of these professionals have a Doctor
title, as 18 states require a Doctor of Audiology (Au.D) degree to
practice.
All are licensed in the state where he or she practices and must
complete coursework at an institution accredited by the Council

2. on Academic Accreditation (CAA), a division of the American
Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).
There are many other career tracks people in this field of study
find rewarding. Some are involved in developing and designing
listening devices while others focus solely on dispensing or selling
said technologies. Researchers in this field are always in need in
order to study and test decibel levels that are potentially
damaging to the ears. In a world that's increasingly noisy,
qualified audiology specialists will always be needed.
REFERENCES:
http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=216
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REFERENCES: http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos085.htm
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