Acoustics of the human middle-ear air space
Abstract
The impedance of the middle-ear air space was measured on three human cadaver ears with complete mastoid air-cell systems. Below 500 Hz, the impedance is approximately compliance-like, and at higher frequencies (500-6000 Hz) the impedance magnitude has several (five to nine) extrema. Mechanisms for these extrema are identified and described through circuit models of the middle-ear air space. The measurements demonstrate that the middle-ear air space impedance can affect the middle-ear impedance at the tympanic membrane by as much as 10 dB at frequencies greater than 1000 Hz. Thus, variations in the middle-ear air space impedance that result from variations in anatomy of the middle-ear air space can contribute to inter-ear variations in both impedance measurements and otoacoustic emissions, when measured at the tympanic membrane.
- Publication:
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Acoustical Society of America Journal
- Pub Date:
- August 2005
- DOI:
- 10.1121/1.1974730
- Bibcode:
- 2005ASAJ..118..861S
- Keywords:
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- ear;
- acoustic impedance