Follow-up of sound pressure level at the tympanic membrane at varying impedance of the tympanic membrane-ossicular system
Hartwein, J.
Hno 40(4): 128-132
1992
ISSN/ISBN: 0017-6192 PMID: 1601679 Document Number: 401940
We investigated the influence of varying compliance of the tympanic membrane on the sound pressure level of the human ear canal using a model with adjustable compliance. Decrease of compliance augments the sound pressure close to the tympanic membrane due to the increase of reflected sound pressure. This augmentation occurs in a narrow frequency area near the maximum resonance frequency and reaches 6 dB (SPL). These experimental data correlate well with clinical investigations in patients with middle ear effusion before and after operation and in patients performing the Valsalva manoeuvre.