Modelling of components of the human middle ear and simulation of their dynamic behaviour

In order to get a better insight into the function of the human middle ear it is necessary to simulate its dynamic behaviour by means of the finite-el ement method. Three-dimensional measurements of the surfaces of the tympani c membrane and of the auditory ossicles malleus, incus and stapes are carri ed out and geometrical models are created, On the basis of these data, fini te-element models are constructed and the dynamic behaviour of the combinat ions tympanic membrane with malleus in its elastic suspensions and stapes w ith annular ligament is simulated. Natural frequencies and mode shapes are computed by modal analysis. These investigations showed that the ossicles c an be treated as rigid bodies only in a restricted frequency range from 0 t o 3.5 kHz.