What is the "eardrum"?

What is the "eardrum"?

Jason Hamilton (Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon) gives expert video advice on: What are the most common ear diseases or conditions?; How do ears work? and more...

The eardrum is a membrane that separates the outer ear from the middle ear. It's attached to ossciles, which are bones that vibrate and amplify sound. The eardrum also protects your middle ear from fluid, bacteria or debris getting into the middle ear and causing an infection. The eardrum, in essence, acts like an amplifier.