Cochlear Mechanics and Otoacoustic Emissions

Bone Conduction in a Three-Dimensional Model of the Cochlea
Frank Böhnke, Wolfgang Arnold

Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany

Address of Corresponding Author

ORL 2006;68:393-396 (DOI: 10.1159/000095283)

  Key Words

• Bone conduction
• Cochlea
• Cochlear mechanics
• Finite elements

  Abstract

Hearing sensations are caused by air- and bone-guided sound. Of course, other biological materials like tendons, muscles and tissue are also involved during conduction of sound. To study the influence of bone conduction, a formerly developed finite element model was excited by harmonic pressure signals at the cochlea wall. The clinical finding during middle ear surgery, namely the increase in bone conduction sensitivity with removed footplate, was confirmed. Other psychoacoustic effects with bone conduction are described in the early experiments by Bárány, who proved the cancellation of air- and bone-conducted sound in humans. The simultaneous stimulation of the cochlea wall and the phase-reversed stimulation of the stapes footplate in the finite element model confirmed his findings. Further clues to the solution of unsolved problems in audiology and middle ear pathology are given.

Copyright © 2006 S. Karger AG, Basel

  Author Contacts

PD Dr.-Ing. Frank Böhnke
HNO-Klinik, Klinikum rechts der Isar
Ismaningerstrasse 22
DE-81675 München (Germany)
Tel. +49 89 4140 4196, Fax +49 89 4140 4971, E-Mail frank.boehnke@lrz.tum.de

  Article Information

Published online: October 26, 2006
Number of Print Pages : 4
Number of Figures : 6, Number of Tables : 0, Number of References : 7