The Middle Ear in Sound Conduction

Prospective Electrophysiologic Findings of Round Window Stimulation in a Model of Experimentally Induced Stapes Fixation

“…The present study confirms and extends the previous examinations of neurophysiologic responses of RW stimulation that had demonstrated CM, CAP, and ABR responses similar to responses generated with acoustic stimulation (23,25,43). The technology achieving RW stimulation differed in these cases; however, electrocochleographic responses were shown to be at least qualitatively similar.…”

“…It is generally accepted that the most effective input to the cochlea is the difference between the pressures at the RW and OW (43,49). However, if this was strictly true, then when the RW or OW was occluded, the results should be a vast reduction in the efficacy of mechanical stimulation of the inner ear via the OW or RW, respectively.…”

Experimental ossicular fixations and the middle ear’s response to sound: Evidence for a flexible ossicular chain

“…The chainÕs importance to hearing is demonstrated by its interruption, which in human ears, introduces a 60 dB hearing loss (Peake et al, 1992). Similar reductions have been reported in other species [e.g., Wever et al (1948) in cat]. Clearly, ossicular sound transmission is important to normal hearing function .…”

Conductive Hearing Loss Associated with Pressure Equalization Tubes

“…Numerous studies in animals and human beings have detailed the degree of hearing loss associated with varying size and location of tympanic membrane perforations. [1][2][3][4][5][6][7] Otolaryngologists' clinical experience with PE tubes for nearly 40 years has confirmed these findings. This article documents that PE tubes, by themselves, can result in significant conductive hearing loss.…”