Network model for the human middle ear.

Abstract

The purpose of this work is to offer a contribution to network modelling of the human middle ear. The model proposed has been successfully adapted to the following empirical frequency characteristics: 1) stapes displacement per unit sound pressure at the eardrum, 2) sound pressure increase from ear canal entrance to the tympanic membrane, 3) acoustic impedance at the eardrum for a normal ear, an otosclerotic ear, and an ear with interrupted incudo-stapedial joint. The acoustical energy reflectance at the eardrum, as calculated from a model of the ear canal when terminated by the middle ear model, agrees reasonably well with experimental data up to about 12 kHz. Satisfactory agreement between model results and experimental data has also been achieved for the sound pressure transformation in the middle ear. Stapedius muscle contraction is simulated by changing a single parameter. It is concluded that further progress in middle ear model development requires a strengthening of the empirical basis.