Why is a persons ear drum very important?

Question: Why is a persons ear drum very important?
- Keywords:
  ear,
  eardrum,
  hear,
  hearing,
  human body,
  sense
Asked by drama to Asif, Laura, Lena, Sean on 22 Mar 2012.
- Sean Murphy answered on 22 Mar 2012:
  
  The eardrum is hit by sounds and vibrates, and the middle ear passes the vibrations to the inner ear, which can distinguish the characteristics of the vibrations and send this information to the brain.
  
  Rupture or perforation of the eardrum can lead to conductive hearing loss. Collapse or retraction of the ear drum can also cause conductive hearing loss and infections.

Question: Why is a persons ear drum very important?