General
4: The human ear
This online synchronous meeting will take place on Date | Time. Attendance is compulsory.
Introduction
The body responds to a variety of different stimuli such as light, sound, touch, temperature, pressure, pain and chemicals (taste and smell).
The Human ear is the organ of hearing and equilibrium that detects and analyses sound by transduction (or the conversion of sound waves into electrochemical impulses) and maintains the sense of balance (equilibrium).
Only one week is allocated on the ATP for the teaching of the human ear. Because the structure and function of the ear has to be taught, it is important to use diagrams for the teaching and learning of this topic. You will also notice that we have included terminology lists as these are crucial for good performance. Please ensure that your learners do regular terminology activities and tests. The role of the ear in maintaining balance is also very important and examiners often set questions on this topic.Module overview
This module deals with the human ear. There is a detailed terminology list, followed by the structure and functions of certain parts of the ear, the functioning of the human ear in hearing (include the role of the organ of Corti without details of its structure) and balance (include the role of maculae and cristae without details of their structure) and the cause and treatment of middle ear infections (Use of grommets) and deafness (Use of hearing aids and cochlear implants).
Learning outcomes
By the end of this module, you will be able to:
- Draw and label the parts of the ear
- Describe the functions of the different parts
- Briefly describe the path of sound as it travels through the ear
- Briefly describe the functioning of the maculae and cristae and their role in balance
- Briefly describe the defects of the ear.
Study materials
Module structureUnit 1: Structure and functions of the human ear
- Review the information relating to this unit by clicking on the link below
- Complete activity 4.1 on page 4 of your module guide. You will need to complete this on a printed version of the activity and take a photo of your answers. Save the image file in the following format: Full name_Module 4_Activity 4.1. This file will be uploaded at the end of the module using the submission tool.
Unit 2: Hearing and balance functions in the human ear- Review the information relating to this unit by clicking on the link below
- Complete activity 4.2 on page 9 of the module guide. As in the previous activity, you will need to annotate the diagrams on a printed sheet and take a photo of your answers. The image file should be saved in the following format: Full name_Module 4_Activity 4.2.
Unit 3: The nature and treatment of hearing defects- Review the information relating to this unit by clicking on the link below
- In a NEW Word document, complete activity 4.3 on pages 12 - 14 of the module guide. Save your document in the following format: Full name_Module 4
- Submit your two image files, together with your Word document, using the submission tool below.
Subject methodologyEnrichment resources
Below are some interesting resources, including two practical activities (choose the one which you feel will best suit your learners), on the topic of the human ear. Can you find additional resources that you can use as a teaching aid in your classrooms?
Technology supportWe challenge you to find additional resources online which can be used as a teaching aid in your classrooms. Below are just two examples that we have sourced for you.
Module summaryThis module covers all the requirements for the DBE NSC exams w.r.t. the topic: The human ear. It is very important to be able to identify parts of the human ear on a diagram and to provide the functions of that part. It is important to remember that the ear plays a role in hearing as well as in balance.