During fetal development, which sequence of ear development is correct?

The sequence of ear development during fetal growth begins with the formation of the outer ear, progresses to the development of the middle ear, and concludes with the inner ear.

In the early weeks of fetal development, the outer ear structures, such as the pinna (the external visible part of the ear), start to form. This is followed by the development of the middle ear, which includes structures such as the tympanic membrane and the ossicles (the small bones within the ear). Finally, the inner ear, which consists of the cochlea, vestibule, and semicircular canals responsible for hearing and balance, develops.

This sequence highlights the hierarchical nature of ear development, where each part serves its function in a specific order, culminating in the comprehensive auditory system necessary for hearing. Understanding this sequence is critical for audiology practitioners, as it informs knowledge about potential congenital ear abnormalities and their implications for hearing and balance in infants.