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Functional effects of repeated pressure loads upon the tympanic membrane: mechanical stiffness measurements after simulated habitual sniffing

  • Otology
  • Published:
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Abstract

In experimental studies it was found that otitis media causes stiffness loss in the tympanic membrane, possible precursors to retraction pockets and cholesteatoma. Besides otitis media habitual sniffing behaviour is associated with the development of retractions. The present study aims to test the hypothesis that repeated sniffing manoeuvre may cause not only structural, epithelial tympanic membrane changes presumed to be possible precursors to retractions, but also tympanic membrane stiffness loss, another possible mediator for the development of retractions. An experimental model with a pressure chamber was used to mimic the pressure conditions for the tympanic membrane in habitual sniffers’ ears. The stiffness properties of twelve Mongolian gerbil tympanic membranes were measured with moiré interferometry after varying time up to 12 days with repeated pressure loading. Three days later, lower overall displacement were obtained in two ears; after 7–12 days the displacement readings were normal. This study with maximum of 12 days of pressure loading did not verify the hypothesis that habitual “sniffing” impairs the stiffness of the tympanic membrane.

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Acknowledgments

The technical assistance of Mikael Eriksson, Karolinska University Hospital, is gratefully acknowledged. The study was supported by grants from Centrum för Klinisk Forskning, Landstinget Västmanland, Stiftelsen Tysta Skolan and Gösta Fraenkels Stiftelse för Medicinsk Forskning, Sweden. The study was approved by Stockholms Norra Djurförsöksetiska Nämnd (Dnr. N. 170/94).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of ENT, Karolinska Hospital and Institute, Stockholm, Sweden

    Magnus von Unge

  2. Biomedical Physics Group, University of Antwerp, Antwerpen, Belgium

    Joris J. Dircks

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  1. Magnus von Unge
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  2. Joris J. Dircks
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Correspondence to Magnus von Unge.

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von Unge, M., Dircks, J.J. Functional effects of repeated pressure loads upon the tympanic membrane: mechanical stiffness measurements after simulated habitual sniffing. Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol 266, 1219–1224 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00405-008-0906-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00405-008-0906-3

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