The ear is divided into three parts - the outer, middle, and inner ear. The outer ear collects sound waves and funnels them through the ear canal to the middle ear, which contains three small bones that vibrate the inner ear. The inner ear contains the cochlea, which has tiny hair cells that change the vibrations into electrical signals sent to the brain. Ear tubes are small tubes inserted into the eardrum to drain fluid and prevent infections by allowing air into the middle ear. The document also defines several eye and ear-related medical terms.