Abstract
The performance of the external ear, when viewed as a diffuse-field receiver, is given in a simple expression containing two acoustic impedances. In this sense, the external ear has a high frequency performance quite close to the theoretical limit. Viewed as a directional antenna the external ear is an acoustical wave processor of considerable complexity. Approximately eight normal modes spread over nearly three octaves are required to account for its distinctive characteristics. At the highest frequencies, additional wave factors come into play near the eardrum. Network concepts are well suited to the mechanics of the middle ear but require considerable development to allow for the complex motion of the eardrum which is the dominant factor at high frequencies. Considerable progress has been made with a two-piston model which gives reasonable eardrum impedance and middle ear transmission curves. This model shows that, at high frequencies, it is the internal resistance of the eardrum that absorbs most of the incident sound energy and controls middle ear transmission. A more sophisticated treatment of eardrum motion may soon be within reach.
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© 1983 Delft University Press, The Netherlands
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Shaw, E.A.G., Stinson, M.R. (1983). The Human External and Middle Ear: Models and Concepts. In: de Boer, E., Viergever, M.A. (eds) Mechanics of Hearing. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-009-6911-7_1
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-009-6911-7_1
Publisher Name: Springer, Dordrecht
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