Which part of the ear is responsible for processing sound signals?

The cochlea is the part of the ear responsible for processing sound signals. It is a spiral-shaped, fluid-filled structure located in the inner ear. When sound waves enter the outer ear and travel through the ear canal, they reach the eardrum, which vibrates. These vibrations are transmitted to the middle ear and then to the cochlea. Inside the cochlea, the vibrations cause the fluid to move, which in turn stimulates sensory hair cells. These hair cells convert mechanical vibrations into electrical signals that are sent to the brain via the auditory nerve. This process allows us to perceive sound.

In contrast, while the middle ear serves as a conduit for sound waves and amplifies them, it does not process sound signals. The outer ear captures sound and directs it toward the middle ear but is not involved in the processing itself. The semi-circular canals, on the other hand, are involved in maintaining balance and spatial orientation, rather than in hearing.