Test Your Ear, Nose, and Throat Knowledge With These Fun Facts

Ear, Nose, Throat / January 25, 2021

By: Kelly Warf, Au.D.
David Tojo, M.D.

Your ear, nose, and throat are complex, sensitive organs. How many of the following facts did you already know?
Did you know….

• The tiniest bones in your body are in your ear. The incus, malleus, and stapes (otherwise known as hammer, anvil, and stirrup) are behind your eardrum and connected to your hearing organ. All three could fit together on a penny!
• Humans are capable of detecting over 10,000 scents. Humans can detect smell with special types of cells known as olfactory nerve cells. There are nearly 12 million olfactory cells present in a normal human. However, this number gradually decreases with age.
• Your ear houses your hearing and balance system. A hearing test can often help identify disorders in the ear that also affect your balance system.
• You have 4 kinds of tonsils: palatine, lingual, tubal, and adenoid tonsils. When speaking about “tonsils” most likely referring to palatine tonsils.
• Earwax is a self-cleaning system. Earwax is produced in the outer 1/3 of the ear and naturally makes its way out of the ear with jaw movements and as new earwax is secreted.
• Sneezing style is genetic. You will often observe family members sneeze the same.
• About 40,000 droplets are blasted from our nostrils and mouth when we sneeze at a speed of up to 300 miles per hour. This can travel over five feet in front of us!

If you have concerns about your ear, nose, or throat schedule your appointment at the Ear, Nose, and Throat Center today! Call 847-685-1000

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