Finite Element Modeling of Sound Transmission Based on Micro-Computer Tomography for Human Ear

Abstract

An accurate finite element (FE) model of the human ear can help in understanding the physiological mechanismof human ear and facilitate the design of implantable hearing devices. In this paper,a FE modelof the human ear consisting of the external ear canal, middle ear, and cochlea was developed. The geometry of the external ear canal and middle ear model was based on a fresh specimen of human temporal boneviamicro-computer tomography imaging. A harmonic sound pressure of 90 dB SPL was applied in the ear canal and the multi-field coupled FE analysis was conductedamong the ear canal air, cochlea fluid, and middle ear and cochlea structures. The results were compared with the established physiological data. The satisfactory agreements between the model and published experimental measurementsindicate the middle ear and cochlea functions can be well simulated and further application in terms of human ear can be achieved by the model.