Middle Ear Pressure Regulation-Complementary Active Actions of the Mastoid and the Eustachian Tube

Abstract

The human mastoid as well as the Eustachian tube was capable of active counter-regulation of the MEP in short-term experimental pressure changes in healthy ears. Thus, these 2 systems seemed to function in a complementary way, where the mastoid was related to continuous regulation of smaller pressures, whereas the tube was related to intermittent regulation of higher pressures.

Mechanical properties of human tympanic membrane in the quasi-static regime from in situ point indentation measurements

“…For example these originate from taking an elevator, meteorologic changes and gas exchange processes in the middle ear (Gaihede et al, 2010;Marcusohn et al, 2006). They are called quasi-static since the corresponding frequencies typically fall within the range [0.001, 20] Hz.…”

A formal description of middle ear pressure-regulation

“…In application, this requires that the physiology of MEPR be well understood from a mechanistic perspective. Currently, a number of conceptually distinct mechanisms for MEPR have been described, with stable MEEPGs being volume-regulated, temperature-regulated, pressure-regulated, flow-regulated or regulated by some combinations of these mechanisms (Adams, 1954; Bluestone, 2005; Csakanyi et al, 2014; Doyle, 2000; Fooken Jensen et al, 2016; Gaihede et al, 2010; Hergils et al, 1988; Padurariu et al, 2015). …”

Calculation of the Mastoid Cell Volume of Infants From Computed Tomography Imaging

“…1 Another theory is that mastoid cells work with the Eustachian tube as a gas reservoir. [2][3][4] In our clinical practice, we have problems interpreting the findings in young children. Is the mastoid cell aeration normal or reduced because of a relationship between smaller mastoid pneumatisation and chronic otitis media?…”