Together with the results of a previous article concerned with the vestibular part of the inner ear, we can state that there are no adverse effects of mobile phone emissions on the ear function, at least on a short-term range. Of course, any long-term effects cannot be excluded by our study.

During simulated tensor traction the aspect of the tympanic membrane changed slightly, i.e. there was some inward movement of the umbo. However, such effects were only identifiable during the pulling action or by directly comparing the "contracted" and "relaxed" states. Tympanometry revealed a decrease in the peak amplitudes and a shift in the middle ear resonance towards higher frequencies during contractions.

Intraoperative stapedius reflex recording by bipolar electromyography via a hook electrode is feasible. Further research will show whether these signals may be used for establishing a self-adjusting speech processor.

There was almost no difference between reflex thresholds measured with the two different techniques under the same intra-operative conditions. Therefore, we conclude that differences between intra- and post-operative thresholds are not due to the use of different measuring techniques. The main reason for such differences is probably the influence of intra-operative narcotics on reflex thresholds.

No abstract