POP QUIZ: Name the smallest bones in the human body.
ANSWER: The middle ear ossicles. Also known as the hammer, anvil, and stirrup.
Small but Mighty
Why, if we have an eardrum to vibrate outside sounds, do we need the ossicles? Turns out, the eardrum is only the first step to taking external sounds and sending them to the brain. The inner ear is filled with fluid, which we know actually muffles sound.
The ossicles’ job is to take the vibrations from the eardrum and, as a system of levers, amplify the vibrations such that they can move through the pressurized fluid of the inner ear. The lever action of the middle ear bones imparts a mechanical advantage.
A Specific Mechanical Translational Advantage
This mechanical advantage happens because of specific arrangement. The hammer is directly behind the eardrum, one end connected to the drum and the other hinged to the anvil. The opposite end of the anvil is joined with the stirrup. The bottom of the stirrup is oval and flat and is loosely attached to the cochlea. The flat oval portion of the stirrup moves like a piston against the cochlea. This action creates vibrations in the fluid-filled inner ear which create signals the brain can process. Without the ossicles, only less than .1 percent of external sounds would reach the brain.
Once the stirrup vibrates the fluid of the cochlea, the fluid waves stimulate the nerve endings in the hearing canals. The nerve endings generate electrical impulses, which are then transmitted to the brain where they are interpreted as understandable sound.
Leverage and Amplification
In this study of the power of three, two crucial concepts emerge: leverage and amplification. In the world of communication, messages can get lost, misinterpreted, or overpowered by louder voices. They can get muffled. Messages that leverage the power of three (photo + video + design) can ensure that ideas are preserved and amplified across channels and reach the right audiences.
To see the power of three in action, check out our PSU REACH case study. This community-wide campaign included video, photographic, and design elements that worked together to amplify public health messaging and community outreach projects. Our small but mighty creative team of experts operates like the ossicles: We take your messaging, apply proper leverage and amplification, and create the drum beats of your brand that everyone can hear.
Here at Hayman Studio, we rely on the rule of three too. We pull from three areas of expertise: photography, video and design. Want to see how the power of three can help your business? Give Ryan a call 7178438338 or email ryan@haymanstudio.com.
Leave a reply