Examination of middle-ear function through interspecies comparison of middle-ear transmission characteristics

Abstract

Lumped parameter ossicular chain models for several mammals have been developed; by comparing model parameters and the input and output characteristics of these models, conclusions can be drawn about the relative middle-ear transmission characteristics between different species allowing for a better understanding of the middle-ear’s overall role in hearing. The tympanic membrane plays a significant role in middle-ear function: experiments show that the forward and reverse transmission characteristics of the middle-ear are affected by the tympanic membrane, especially at high frequencies. Thus, understanding the behavior and transmission characteristics of the tympanic membrane is vital in understanding overall transmission through the middle-ear. By examining the interaction between lumped parameter ossicular chain models and tympanic membrane models from several animals and by comparing normalized two-port matrix parameters from several species, observations regarding differences in middle-ear behavior b...