Peripheral Auditory Stages

Outer Ear Stage

The pinna locates the sound heard in the environment. It then collects that sound. Finally, the sound in funneled to the tympanic membrane also known as the ear drum via the external auditory meatus. 

Middle Ear Stage

Acoustic energy hits the tympanic membrane(ear drum). The tympanic membrane begins to vibrate, indicating an energy change fromacoustic energy to mechanical energy. This mechanical energy is transmitted through the malleus, incus, and stapes. Footplate of stapes rocks in/out of oval window. 

Inner Ear Stage

The rocking of the stapes creates waves in the cochlear fluids. This is where mechanical energy changes into hydraulic energy. These waves disrupt the hair cells in the organ of Corti causing a another energy change hydraulic changed to electrochemical energy