Plain English Meaning

The small, snail-shaped part deep inside your ear that turns sound into signals your brain can understand.

Full Definition

The spiral, fluid-filled structure of the inner ear that converts sound vibrations into nerve signals the brain interprets as hearing. It is part of the same inner ear system that contains the balance organs, which is why ear pressure and inner ear disturbances can affect a pilot's hearing and equilibrium together.

Context Anchor

Seen in Instrument Flying Handbook diagrams of the ear, especially near discussions of how the inner ear affects pilots.

Derivation

From the Greek 'kochlias,' meaning 'snail' or 'spiral shell.' The name fits because the cochlea is coiled like a tiny snail shell inside the inner ear.

Why Pilots Care

ear structure helps pilots recognize how , pressure changes, and affect hearing and balance in .