In order to get a better insight into the function of the human middle ear it is necessary to simulate its dynamic behaviour by means of the finite-element method. Three-dimensional measurements of the surfaces of the tympanic membrane and of the auditory ossicles malleus, incus and stapes are carried out and geometrical models are created. On the basis of these data, finite-element models are constructed and the dynamic behaviour of the combinations tympanic membrane with malleus in its elastic suspensions and stapes with annular ligament is simulated. Natural frequencies and mode shapes are computed by modal analysis. These investigations showed that the ossicles can be treated as rigid bodies only in a restricted frequency range from 0 to 3.5 kHz.

Keywords:
Finite-element method, Middle ear, Ossicles, Tympanic membrane, Modal analysis, Parameter estimation
1.
Beer HJ, Bornitz M, Drescher J, Schmidt R, Hardtke HJ, Hofmann G, Vogel U, Zahnert T, Hüttenbrink KB: Finite element modelling of the human eardrum and applications; in Hüttenbrink KB (ed): Middle Ear Mechanics in Research and Otosurgery. Proceedings of the International Workshop on Middle Ear Mechanics, Dresden, 19–22 Sept 1996. Dresden, University of Technology, 1997, pp 40–47.
2.
Bornitz M, Zahnert T, Hardtke HJ, Hüttenbrink KB: Identification of parameters for the middle ear model. In press.
3.
Drescher J: FE-Modellierung und Simulation des menschlichen Trommelfells; master’s thesis, Technische Universität Dresden, Institut für Festkörpermechanik, 1995.
4.
Fung YC: Biomechanics: Mechanical Properties of Living Tissues, ed 2. New York, Springer, 1993.
5.
Kirikae J: The Middle Ear. Tokyo, University of Tokyo Press, 1960.
6.
Wada H, Metoki T, Kobayashi T: Analysis of dynamic behavior of human middle ear using a finite-element method. J Acoust Soc Am 1992;96:3157–3168.
1999
Copyright / Drug Dosage / Disclaimer
Copyright: All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be translated into other languages, reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, microcopying, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
Drug Dosage: The authors and the publisher have exerted every effort to ensure that drug selection and dosage set forth in this text are in accord with current recommendations and practice at the time of publication. However, in view of ongoing research, changes in government regulations, and the constant flow of information relating to drug therapy and drug reactions, the reader is urged to check the package insert for each drug for any changes in indications and dosage and for added warnings and precautions. This is particularly important when the recommended agent is a new and/or infrequently employed drug.
Disclaimer: The statements, opinions and data contained in this publication are solely those of the individual authors and contributors and not of the publishers and the editor(s). The appearance of advertisements or/and product references in the publication is not a warranty, endorsement, or approval of the products or services advertised or of their effectiveness, quality or safety. The publisher and the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to persons or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content or advertisements.
You do not currently have access to this content.