Hairs touch or are slightly embedded in tectorial membrane. Passage of sound waves - sound waves in air strike tympanic membrane, causing it to vibrate.
Vibration is amplified by middle ear bones and transmitted to the oval window.
This causes waves or vibrations in the cochlear fluid, which is transferred to the fluid within the Organ of Corti. Auditory nerve pathways Vibrations in endolymph cause tectorial membrane to move. Aids in maintaining balance. Semicircular canals near the cochlea are filled with fluid. These structures pull on hair cells , causing them to bend.