Normal aging causes loss of hair cells in the

• A. eardrum.
• B. pinna.
• C. cochlea.
• D. ear canal.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the anatomy of the ear: The ear is composed of several parts including the outer ear (pinna and ear canal), the middle ear (eardrum), and the inner ear (cochlea).
2. Recognize the function of each part: The pinna collects sound waves, the ear canal directs them to the eardrum, the eardrum vibrates in response to sound, and the cochlea converts these vibrations into neural signals.
3. Identify the role of hair cells: Hair cells are sensory cells located in the cochlea. They play a crucial role in converting sound vibrations into electrical signals that the brain can interpret as sound.
4. Consider the effects of aging: Normal aging can lead to the degeneration of hair cells, particularly in the cochlea, which can result in hearing loss.
5. Conclude the specific location of hair cell loss: Given the role and location of hair cells, the cochlea is the part of the ear where hair cell loss due to aging typically occurs.