Final answer:
The ears will adapt to frequency imbalances over time, which can sometimes lead to questioning the sound mix quality. The auditory ossicles, specifically the malleus, incus, and stapes, are responsible for the amplification and transfer of sound to the inner ear.
Step-by-step explanation:
Because of the ears’ ability to compensate for frequency imbalances over time, the ears will adapt, making us start to question the mix. This adaptation is a coping mechanism that allows individuals to become accustomed to certain sounds or noises after prolonged exposure. However, over time this can also lead to 'listener fatigue' where the ear's perception of balance in a mix may shift, thus affecting the listeners' judgement about the sound quality or mix balance.
Regarding the structure of the ear responsible for the amplification and transfer of sound from the external ear to the inner ear, it is primarily the role of the auditory ossicles. The auditory ossicles are three small bones known as the malleus (hammer), incus (anvil), and stapes (stirrup). These bones act as a mechanical lever system that amplifies the sound waves that enter the ear through the eardrum. From there, vibrations are transmitted to the oval window of the cochlea, where the sound waves are converted into neural signals by the movement of stereocilia in the cochlear duct.