Can the ears affect the taste nerves, allowing people to hear the taste? How is this possible?

Did you know that the ears behind the eyes not only have the function of distinguishing sounds, converting the vibrations of the sounds into nerve signals to the brain, but also help the sense of taste to taste flavors?

The most important structures of the ear are the inner ear and the middle ear. The middle ear has nerves that are responsible for the movement of facial muscles. If it becomes inflamed or damaged, it is likely that people will not be able to control the movement of facial muscles and even affect the taste nerves. Therefore, the ear not only plays an important role in taste, but also can change the taste of food we perceive.

Some people have done relevant research. After listening to white noise, if there is food in front of you, it will taste crisper and less salty. When you hear the sounds of poultry such as chickens and ducks, the food in front of you will taste the corresponding taste. These sounds are transmitted through the cochlea, which has more than 16,000 hair cells distributed in it. They can sense the vibrations entering the ear and convert them into nerve impulses. The impulses enter the brain and are converted into sounds that we can hear.

Therefore, we need to protect our ears, and the best defense line in the ears is earwax. Earwax is a good thing. Although those yellow, oily or dry earwax look uncomfortable, it not only has antibacterial effects, but also can prevent foreign objects from invading the ear canal.

In addition to earwax, there is also the Eustachian tube in the inner ear that ensures the health of our ears. The Eustachian tube is a muscular tube that connects the back of the nasal cavity to the ear, which helps the body balance air pressure. The Eustachian tube is usually sealed, so there is no communication between the ear and the throat, which can limit the infection to a local area.

But when the air pressure changes, such as when an airplane takes off or passes through a tunnel, the gas in the Eustachian tube expands, which causes the Eustachian tube to open and release gas, so that the pressure inside and outside the ear is balanced. Of course, the vestibular system in the inner ear also maintains the balance of the inside and outside of the ear.

Do you feel incredible after reading this? It turns out that ears have this function. It’s too magical!

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