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(See also Hearing Loss.)

The inner ear is in the petrous area of the temporal bone. Within the bone is the osseous labyrinth, which encases the membranous labyrinth. The osseous labyrinth includes the vestibular system (made up of the semicircular canals and the vestibule) and the cochlea. The vestibular system is responsible for balance and posture; the cochlea, for hearing.

Last full review/revision July 2007 by John S. Oghalai, MD

Content last modified July 2007