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

The therapy works by delivering a healthy copy of the OTOF gene to key cells in the inner ear, helping to restore the protein otoferlin so auditory signals can be sent to the brain, according to the FDA. —Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 24 Apr. 2026

Shearer said the procedure is similar to surgery for cochlear implants, where doctors access the inner ear to deliver the drug while the patient is under general anesthesia. —Berkeley Lovelace Jr, NBC news, 23 Apr. 2026

The gene provides instructions to make the otoferlin protein, which is necessary for hair cells in the inner ear to transmit sound to the brain. —Rob Stein, NPR, 23 Apr. 2026

For example, mutations in myosin genes involved in inner ear function can cause hereditary hearing loss, as these proteins are essential for the proper operation of sensory hair cells. —Encyclopedia Britannica, 3 Apr. 2026

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