Abstract
Morphological studies of age-related changes in the tympanic membrane have suggested a decreased elasticity for increasing age, whereas age-related changes in admittance measured by tympanometry have revealed inconsistent results. In this study we report on the viscoelastic properties of the middle ear system by means of a new method in two different age groups. This method measures hysteresis (μJ), which describes the viscous properties of the system, and compliance (mm<sup>3</sup>/kPa) reflecting its elasticity. Moreover, P<sub>ec0</sub> (kPa) was recorded, which corresponds to middle ear pressure measured by tympanometry. Recordings were made in a group of 30 older normal subjects (mean age 77 years) and results were compared to previous findings in a group of 39 younger normal subjects (mean age 29). Hysteresis was markedly decreased in the older normal group compared to the younger one (p = 0.057). This may reflect morphological changes previously reported in the tympanic membrane and can be related to theoretical considerations on tympanic membrane rupture pressures. Compliance and P<sub>ec0</sub> were not influenced by variation in age (p = 0.645 and 0.966).
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