The ear is divided into three main parts - the outer, middle, and inner ear. The outer ear collects sound and carries it through the ear canal to the ear drum. When sound hits the ear drum, it vibrates the thin skin, shaking the hammer attached to the ear drum. The hammer then shakes other components in the middle ear, which are connected through nerves in the inner ear to the brain, allowing sound to be processed. The ear canal carries sound into the ear from the outside environment to the brain.