THE SPECIAL SENSES 



257 



VESTIBULE WITH OPENINGS 

 OF SEMICIRCULAR CANALS 



Cotton wads may be put into the ears to shield them from 

 a cold wind, or may be worn while one is swimming or diving, 

 to keep the water out. Diving into deep water or bathing 

 in the breakers may injure the ears if not thus protected. 



353. Additional Suggestions on the Care of the Ears. We 

 should never shout suddenly in a person's ear. The ear is 

 not prepared for the shock, and permanent injury has occa- 

 sionally resulted. 

 If theEustachian 

 tube is closed 

 for the time, a 

 sudden explo- 

 sion, the noise of 

 a gun or cannon, 

 may burst the 

 drumhead. 

 Soldiers during 

 heavy cannonad- 

 ing open the 

 mouth to allow 

 an equal tension of air on both sides of the membrane. 



Flies, ants, and other insects sometimes crawl into the 

 ear. This may cause some pain and fright, and perhaps 

 lead to vomiting and even convulsions in the case of chil- 

 dren. A lighted lamp put at the entrance of the ear will 

 often coax insects to crawl out towards the light. The ear 

 may be syringed out with a little warm water. Drop in a 

 little sirup, melted vaseline, or sweet oil. 



Cold water should never be used in the ears or nostrils 

 if it can be helped. Use only tepid water. Do not go to 

 sleep with the head in any position that may expose the 

 ears to a draught of cold or damp air. 



-^^- EUSTACHIAN TUBE 



FIG. 160. BLACKBOARD SKETCH. 

 Diagram of the Middle and Internal Ear. 



