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

Hearing problems The inflammation that Lyme causes can affect the inner ear, leading to a variety of symptoms, including hearing loss and tinnitus, or ringing in the ears, Schweig says. —Angela Haupt, Time, 18 June 2025

The disease, which affects the inner ear and prompts vertigo and other disorienting symptoms, saw Lewis experiencing hearing loss during rehearsals and prompted his retirement from live performances until an improvement was observed. —Tyler Jenke, Billboard, 5 June 2025

Timing is everything Sensory processing of sounds begins in the cochlea, a part of the inner ear where sound frequencies are converted into electricity and forwarded to the auditory cortex of the brain. —Hysell V. Oviedo, The Conversation, 4 June 2025

Inflammation and congestion, specifically, can lead to inner ear dysfunction. —Lindsay Curtis, Health, 25 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1855, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for inner ear

• auctioneer
• bandelier
• belvedere
• bombardier
• brigadier
• buccaneer
• cavalier
• chandelier
• chanticleer
• chevalier
• commandeer
• disappear

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