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Numerical analysis of ossicular chain lesion of human ear

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Abstract

Lesion of ossicular chain is a common ear disease impairing the sense of hearing. A comprehensive numerical model of human ear can provide better understanding of sound transmission. In this study, we propose a three-dimensional finite element model of human ear that incorporates the canal, tympanic membrane, ossicular bones, middle ear suspensory ligaments/muscles, middle ear cavity and inner ear fluid. Numerical analysis is conducted and employed to predict the effects of middle ear cavity, malleus handle defect, hypoplasia of the long process of incus, and stapedial crus defect on sound transmission. The present finite element model is shown to be reasonable in predicting the ossicular mechanics of human ear.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. State Key Laboratory of Structural Analysis for Industrial Equipment, Dalian University of Technology, 116024, Dalian, China

    Yingxi Liu, Sheng Li & Xiuzhen Sun

  2. ENT Department, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, 116025, Dalian, China

    Xiuzhen Sun

Authors
  1. Yingxi Liu
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  2. Sheng Li
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  3. Xiuzhen Sun
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Sheng Li.

Additional information

The project was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (10472025, 10672036, and 10872043).

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Liu, Y., Li, S. & Sun, X. Numerical analysis of ossicular chain lesion of human ear. Acta Mech Sin 25, 241–247 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10409-008-0206-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10409-008-0206-6

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