Operation Ouch Season 7 Episode 26 What Lurks in Your Ear?

In this episode of Operation Ouch, titled "What Lurks in Your Ear?", viewers are taken on a fascinating and slightly unsettling journey into the human ear. Hosts Dr. Chris and Dr. Xand start off by demonstrating just how important our ears are, not just for hearing but also for balance. They explain that the ear is made up of three main parts: the outer ear, the middle ear, and the inner ear.

The outer ear is the part we can see, including the earlobe and the external auditory canal. The middle ear is located behind the eardrum and contains three tiny bones - the hammer, anvil, and stirrup - which transmit sound from the eardrum to the inner ear. Finally, the inner ear is responsible for maintaining our balance as well as our hearing. It contains the cochlea, which is a spiral-shaped structure filled with fluid and tiny hairs that are responsible for sending sound signals to the brain.

But what lurks in our ears that we can't see? The doctors use a microscope to take a closer look and discover that everyone has a certain amount of earwax in their ears, which is actually a good thing. Earwax helps to trap dust, dirt, and other particles, keeping them from reaching the eardrum. However, some people produce more earwax than others, which can lead to blockages and even temporary hearing loss.

Moving on from earwax, the doctors then reveal a host of other unexpected objects that can be found in ears. They include small toys like Lego bricks and beads, as well as insects such as ants and even cockroaches! They explain that these objects can cause discomfort and even serious damage to the ear if left there for too long.

To demonstrate just how sensitive our ears are, the doctors put their own eardrums to the test by exposing them to different sounds at various frequencies. They even use a tuning fork to demonstrate how sound travels through the different parts of the ear. Viewers will learn how to protect their ears from loud noises and what effect they can have on hearing loss.

The doctors also interview a man who had a live spider crawl into his ear while he was sleeping. He recounts the experience, describing how it felt like something was moving inside his ear and how he eventually managed to remove the spider.

The episode is informative and entertaining, with plenty of interesting facts and demonstrations to keep viewers engaged. It also emphasizes the importance of taking care of our ears and seeking medical help if necessary. Overall, "What Lurks in Your Ear?" is a must-watch for anyone interested in the workings of the human body.