The Special Senses 



271 



VESTIBULE WITH OPENINGS 

 JOF SEMICIRCULAR CANALS 



8CALA VESTIBULI 



NCUS 



_/_MALLEU8 

 STAPES 



426. Practical Hints on the Care of the Ear. The ears 

 are often neglected when skilled treatment is urgently 

 needed, and they are often ignorantly and carelessly tam- 

 pered with when they should be left alone. 



Never insert into the ear canal the corners of towels, 

 ear spoons, the ends of toothpicks, hairpins, or any other 

 pointed instruments. It is a needless and dangerous prac- 

 tice, usually causing, in time, some form of inflammation. 



Again, there is always risk that the elbow may be jogged 

 and the instrument pushed through the drumhead. There 

 is, of course, a 

 natural impulse to 

 relieve itching of 

 the ear when it 

 occurs. This 

 should be done 

 with the tips of 

 the fingers or not 

 at all. 



Very cold water 

 should never be 

 used to bathe the 

 ears and nostrils. Bathe moderately and gently in lukewarm 

 water, using a wash rag in preference to a sponge ; dry 

 gently and thoroughly. Do not go to sleep with the head 

 on a window sill or in any position in which the ears are 

 exposed to draughts of cold or damp air. 

 . Never shout suddenly in a person's ear. The ear is 

 not prepared for the shock, and deafness has occasionally 

 resulted. Insects may gain entrance to the ears and 

 occasion annoyance, pain, and fright, perhaps leading to 

 vomiting, even to convulsions, with nervous children. 

 A lighted lamp held at the entrance of the ear will often 



EXT. AUD. MEATUS. 

 - MEMBRANA TYMPANI 



EUSTACHIAN TUBE 



FIG. 145. Diagram of the Middle and Internal Ear. 



