Three-Dimensional Finite Element Modeling of Human Ear for Sound Transmission

Abstract

An accurate, comprehensive finite element model of the human ear can provide better understanding of sound transmission, and can be used for assessing the influence of diseases on hearing and the treatment of hearing loss. In this study, we proposed a three-dimensional finite element model of the human ear that included the external ear canal, tympanic membrane (eardrum), ossicular bones, middle ear suspensory ligaments/muscles, and middle ear cavity. This model was constructed based on a complete set of histological section images of a left ear temporal bone. The finite element (FE) model of the human ear was validated by comparing model-predicted ossicular movements at the stapes footplate and tympanic membrane with published experimental measurements on human temporal bones. The FE model was employed to predict the effects of eardrum thickness and stiffness, incudostapedial joint material, and cochlear load on acoustic-mechanical transmission through the human ossicular chain. The acoustic-structural coupled FE analysis between the ear canal air column and middle ear ossicles was also conducted and the results revealed that the peak responses of both tympanic membrane and stapes footplate occurred between 3000 and 4000 Hz.

Numerical Analysis of the Influence of the Auditory External Canal Geometry on the Human Hearing Response

“…The air in shed with acoustic elements (FLUID30) which behave according to the acoustic wave equation assuming a compressible and inviscid fluid with uniform mean density and pressure. The speed of sound is 343 m/s and density 1.21 kg/m 3 .…”

“…The fluid element size was chosen of 0.4 mm. The coupling fluid-structure was made considering an absorption coefficient from the tympanic membrane and canal wall of 0.007 and 0.02 respectively [9]. All components of the middle ear are considered linear and isotropic elastic behaviour.…”

“…The mechanical properties of tympanic membrane, ossicular chain, ligaments and tendons of the finite element model have been taken according to literature [1][2][3][4]9].…”

“…The cochlear load on stapedial footplate was modelled with mass block dashpot system according to Gan et al [9]. Figure 2 shows the finite element model of EAC basic geometry and middle ear generated with ANSYS program.…”

“…The main components of the external, middle and inner ear have been included on the modelling as shown in many previous works [1][2][3][4][5]. Commonly, all these models, are centred on the study of the tympanic-ossicular system, calculation are made with a frequency range up to 10 kHz and are compared with experimental results measured in cadavers without including the effect of the EAC.…”