What structure is referred to as the 'hammer' in the ear anatomy?

The structure referred to as the 'hammer' in ear anatomy is the malleus. This is one of the three small bones located in the middle ear, collectively known as the ossicles, which also include the incus (anvil) and the stapes (stirrup). The malleus is named for its resemblance to a hammer and plays a crucial role in the process of sound transmission.

When sound waves hit the eardrum, the vibration is transmitted to the malleus, which then moves in synchrony with these vibrations. The movement of the malleus then transfers the vibrations to the incus and subsequently to the stapes, facilitating the amplification of sound waves as they are conveyed to the inner ear. Understanding this structure and its function is key in hearing instrument specialization, as it is essential for explaining how hearing aids interact with the natural hearing process.