European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology

, Volume 249, Issue 5, pp 268–272 | Cite as

Alterations of bone conducted hearing in cases of modified middle ear mechanics

Conclusions from an electrical model
  • F. Schick
Original Investigations
Received:
Accepted:

Summary

In clinical diagnosis bone conduction thresholds can be used to assess impaired hearing caused by pathological function of the inner ear. The effects of changed mechanical properties of the middle ear on bone conduction are usually not considered in patients who simultaneously suffer from middle ear and inner ear diseases. This procedure is only partially correct. An exact determination of the effects of altered middle ear mechanics on bone conduction in patients with otosclerosis or after middle ear operations is rather difficult, but such determinations can improve diagnostic validity. Therefore, a special electrical model was constructed to simulate the oscillation pattern of the basilar membrane for bone conduction and variable middle ear impedance. Results from the model and possible conclusions on bone conducted hearing in vivo are discussed. Further steps to ensure measurements of inner ear function in cases with modified middle ear mechanics are proposed.

Key words

Bone conducted hearing Middle ear mechanics Electrical models of hearing 
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Copyright information

© Springer-Verlag 1992

Authors and Affiliations

  • F. Schick
    • 1
  1. 1.University of TübingenTübingenGermany

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