Question

the structure in the inner ear responsible for converting sound waves into neural impulses for hearing is known as what?

utricle

cochlea

vestibule

semicircular canal

Explanation:

The cochlea is a spiral - shaped organ in the inner ear. It contains hair cells that are stimulated by sound waves (which cause vibrations in the fluid within the cochlea). These hair cells then convert the mechanical energy of the sound waves into neural impulses that can be transmitted to the brain for interpretation as sound.
The utricle is involved in the sense of balance (detecting linear acceleration and head position in the horizontal plane).
The vestibule is part of the balance - sensing apparatus in the inner ear (along with the semicircular canals and utricle/saccule).
The semicircular canals are mainly responsible for detecting rotational movements of the head for balance.

Answer:

Cochlea