Much of the peculiar structure of the cochlea is not understood. Its minute size and its location in the temporal bone make its study extremely difficult. The connection of the scala vestibula with the scala tympani, and this with the middle ear, is necessary for the passage of vibrations through the internal ear. Its liquids, being practically incompressible and surrounded on all sides by bones, could not otherwise yield to the movements of the stapes. (See Practical Work.) The rods of Corti are thought to act as dampers on the basilar membrane, to prevent the continuance of vibrations when once they are started. *Detection of Pitch.*—The method of detecting tones of different pitch is not understood. Several theories have been advanced with reference to its explanation, one of the most interesting being that proposed by Helmholtz. This theory is based on our knowledge of sympathetic vibrations. The basilar membrane, while continuous throughout, may be regarded as made up of many separate cords of different lengths stretched side by side. A tone of a given pitch will set into vibration only certain of these cords, while tones of different pitch will set others into vibration. Another theory is that the basilar membrane responds to all kinds of vibrations and the analysis of sound takes place in the brain. A third view is that the filaments from the hair cells, rather than the basilar membrane, respond to the vibrations and in turn stimulate the terminations of the nerve fibers. [Fig. 155] Fig. 155—*Diagram* showing how wax may plug the auditory canal and cause deafness. *Hygiene of the Ear.*—The ear, being a delicate organ, is frequently injured by careless or rough treatment. The removal of the ear wax by the insertion of pointed instruments has been found to interfere with the natural method of discharge and to irritate the membrane. It should never be practiced. It is unnecessary in the healthy ear thus to cleanse the auditory canal, as the wax is passed by a natural process to where it is easily removed by a damp cloth. If the natural process is obstructed, clean warm water and a soft linen cloth may be employed in cleansing the canal, without likelihood of injury. Clean warm water may also be introduced into the auditory canal as a harmless remedy in relieving inflammation of the auditory canal and of the middle ear. Children’s ears are easily injured, and it goes without saying that they should never be pulled nor boxed. It frequently happens that a mass of wax collects in the auditory canal and closes the passage so completely as to cause deafness (Fig. 155). This may come about without pain and so gradually that one does not think of seeking medical aid. Such masses are easily removed by the physician, the hearing being then restored. Both for painful disturbances of the ear and for the gradual loss of hearing, the physician should be consulted.