How Your Ears Hear Sound

SciShow Kids

In this engaging episode of Sci Kids!, host Jessi and her robot mouse friend Squeaks explore the fascinating science of hearing. The video breaks down the complex anatomy of the ear, explaining how sound waves travel through the air and are processed by the outer, middle, and inner ear to send signals to the brain. Through clear animations and demonstrations, students learn about specific structures like the auricle, ear canal, eardrum (tympanic membrane), ossicles, and the cochlea. The video also delves into the physics of sound, introducing concepts like vibration, pitch (frequency), and how sound travels through different states of matter. It addresses hearing loss and the technology used to assist hearing, such as hearing aids and cochlear implants. The lesson extends into the animal kingdom with guest puppet characters—Sam the Bat and Bill the Duck—who explain how different species utilize hearing, introducing the concept of echolocation. Ideally suited for elementary science curriculums, this resource transforms abstract biological and physical concepts into accessible knowledge. Teachers can use this video to support units on the five senses, the human body, or sound energy. The inclusion of diverse hearing abilities and animal adaptations offers excellent opportunities for discussions about inclusivity and comparative biology.