Analytical and numerical modeling of the hearing system: Advances towards the assessment of hearing damage

Abstract

Hearing is an extremely complex phenomenon, involving a large number of interrelated variables that are difficult to measure in vivo. In order to investigate such process under simplified and well-controlled conditions, models of sound transmission have been developed through many decades of research. The value of modeling the hearing system is not only to explain the normal function of the hearing system and account for experimental and clinical observations, but to simulate a variety of pathological conditions that lead to hearing damage and hearing loss, as well as for development of auditory implants, effective ear protections and auditory hazard countermeasures. In this paper, we provide a review of the strategies used to model the auditory function of the external, middle, inner ear, and the micromechanics of the organ of Corti, along with some of the key results obtained from such modeling efforts. Recent analytical and numerical approaches have incorporated the nonlinear behavior of some parameters and structures into their models. Few models of the integrated hearing system exist; in particular, we describe the evolution of the Auditory Hazard Assessment Algorithm for Human (AHAAH) model, used for prediction of hearing damage due to high intensity sound pressure. Unlike the AHAAH model, 3D finite element models of the entire hearing system are not able yet to predict auditory risk and threshold shifts. It is expected that both AHAAH and FE models will evolve towards a more accurate assessment of threshold shifts and hearing loss under a variety of stimuli conditions and pathologies.

Intracochlear pressure measurements during acoustic shock wave exposure

“…Predicting injury to the auditory system due to impulse noise exposure is difficult due to level and frequency dependent sound transmission through the middle ear for high level sounds; several tools have been developed to assist in such predictions (reviewed recently by (De Paolis et al, 2017)). The AHAAH model (Price et al, 1991) has recently been implemented in the DOD acquisition standard MIL-STD-1474E to assess the risk associated with impulse noise exposure; however, several components (particularly the nonlinear transmission elements) of the model have not been validated in humans, or at levels known to cause permanent hearing loss.…”

Influence of the basilar membrane shape and mechanical properties in the cochlear response: A numerical study

“…Therefore, there is a linear variation between partition 1 with E = 30 MPa to partition 24 with E = 20 MPa. The Poisson's ratio was assumed n = 0.3 based in other works, [22][23][24] and constant along the basilar membrane. The work conducted by Liu and White 25 showed that the Poisson's ratio has minor impact on the vertical displacement of the basilar membrane.…”

“…The Poisson’s ratio was assumed ν = 0.3 based in other works, 22–24 and constant along the basilar membrane. The work conducted by Liu and White 25 showed that the Poisson’s ratio has minor impact on the vertical displacement of the basilar membrane.…”

BiometricAccessFilter: A Web Control Access System Based on Human Auditory Perception for Children Protection

“…The auditory perception response varies with age, such as, when age increases, the highest audible range of frequency decreases, which leads to hearing loss. Hearing loss occurs due to the damage of hair cells inside our auditory system [19][20][21][22].…”