Memory Alpha
Register
Memory Alpha
m (Robot: Cosmetic changes !!wikia-credits fix!!)
m (robot Adding: de:Ohr)
Line 31: Line 31:
   
 
[[Category:Anatomy]]
 
[[Category:Anatomy]]
  +
  +
[[de:Ohr]]

Revision as of 12:20, 8 June 2009

File:Male Ferengi ear prosthesis.jpg

A prosthesis of a Ferengi ear

The ear is part of a sensory system found in most carbon-based lifeforms, typically, but not always, consisting of a fleshy outer appendage usually called the outer ear, as well as a group of canals and vibration-sensitive membranes and small bones located inside the skull.

Ears function by receiving vibrations in the ambient atmosphere and translating them into electrical impulses sent to the brain, which allows a humanoid to 'hear' sounds around them.

Most humanoid species' ears are located on or around the outer areas of the skull, and the sensitivity and range of sounds audible varies greatly among species.

The three bones of the middle ear are the malleus, incus and stapes. The ear also has a tympanic membrane which is the connective tissue between the middle and external auditory canal. (VOY: "Eye of the Needle")

File:Chekovs ear-ceti eel.jpg

A Ceti eel crawls out of a Human ear

Human ears are typically mostly round, fleshy appendages, while Vulcan ears are more typically pointed at the top. These features made Vulcans the frequent subjects of ridicule by Humans, although the stoic Vulcans were confounded by Human "fascination" with their ears.

The Ferengi have large, rounded ears, the rims of which they refer to as "lobes". Physically, the lobes are a highly sensitive area that produce feelings of pleasure and contentment when stroked, as in the technique called oo-mox. However, the lobes are also very sensitive to pain. (DS9: "Family Business")

Many species, such as the Gorn have no external appendage or visible 'ear' but can hear as well as, and in some cases far better than, species with external auditory organs.

The Soong-type androids' ears are fully integrated and are not removable.

Sensitivity

The sensitivity and hearing ranges for species vary widely, even on the same planet. Vulcan hearing is known to be more acute than that of most Humans. Ferengi have extremely sensitive hearing, as well.

Shalaft's syndrome is a genetic disorder which causes an extreme sensitivity to sound, this condition was suffered by Captain Jean-Luc Picard and his clone Shinzon. (Star Trek Nemesis)

In "Distant Voices", "Elim Garak", in Bashir's mind, said Cardassian hearing is not as acute as Humans, though he later turned out to be Altovar, another character in Bashir's mind, so this may not be true.

Deafness

The state of being unable to hear, whether by genetic makeup, congenital defect, or external damage to a being's hearing is known as deafness. Some societies consider deafness a weakness or handicap, while others have no social stigma attached to it.

External link