Abstract
The dynamics of the human middle ear (ME) has been studied in the past using several computational and experimental approaches in order to observe the effect on hearing of different conditions, such as conductive disease, corrective surgery, or implantation of a middle ear prosthesis. Multibody (MB) models combine the analysis of flexible structures with rigid body dynamics, involving fewer degrees-of-freedom (DOF) than finite element (FE) models, but a more detailed description than traditional 1D lumped parameter (LP) models. This study describes the reduction of a reference FE model of the human middle ear to a MB model and compares the results obtained considering different levels of model simplification. All models are compared by means of the frequency response of the stapes velocity versus sound pressure at the tympanic membrane (TM), as well as the system natural frequencies and mode shapes. It can be seen that the flexibility of the ossicles has a limited impact on the system frequency response function (FRF) and modes, and the stiffness of the tendons and ligaments only plays a role when above certain levels. On the other hand, the restriction of the stapes footplate movement to a piston-like behavior can considerably affect the vibrational modes, while constraints to the incudomalleolar joint (IMJ) and incudostapedial joint (ISJ) can have a strong impact on the system FRF.
Issue Section:
Research Papers
Topics:
Dynamics (Mechanics),
Ear,
Finite element model,
Stiffness,
Tendons,
Mode shapes,
Kinematics
References
1.
O'Connor
,
K. N.
,
Cai
,
H.
, and
Puria
,
S.
, 2017
, “
The Effects of Varying Tympanic-Membrane Material Properties on Human Middle-Ear Sound Transmission in a Three-Dimensional Finite-Element Model
,” J. Acoust. Soc. Am.
,
142
(5
), pp. 2836
–2853
.10.1121/1.50087412.
Jones
,
H. G.
,
Greene
,
N. T.
, and
Ahroon
,
W. A.
, 2017
, “
Assessment of Middle Ear Function During the Acoustic Reflex Using Laser-Doppler Vibrometry
,” Army Aeromedical Research Lab, Fort Rucker, AL, Report No. USAARL-2017-16
.https://www.researchgate.net/publication/320383419_Assessment_of_Middle_Ear_Function_During_the_Acoustic_Reflex_Using_Laser-Doppler_Vibrometry3.
Wasson
,
J. D.
,
Campbell
,
L.
,
Chambers
,
S.
,
Hampson
,
A.
,
Briggs
,
R. J. S.
, and
O'Leary
,
S. J.
, 2018
, “
Effect of Cochlear Implantation on Middle Ear Function: A Three-Month Prospective Study
,” Laryngoscope
,
128
(5
), pp. 1207
–1212
.10.1002/lary.268404.
Lobato
,
L.
,
Paul
,
S.
,
Cordioli
,
J.
, and
Cruz
,
O. L. M.
, 2019
, “
How Stapes Ankylosis and Fracture Affect Middle Ear Dynamics: A Numerical Study
,” ASME J. Biomech. Eng.
,
141
(11
), p. 111011.10.1115/1.40438755.
Eiber
,
A.
, 1999
, “
Mechanical Modeling and Dynamical Behavior of the Human Middle Ear
,” Audiol. Neurotol.
, 4(3–4), pp. 170
–177
.10.1159/0000138376.
Hudde
,
H.
, and
Weistenhöfer
,
C.
, 2006
, “
Key Features of the Human Middle Ear
,” ORL
,
68
(6
), pp. 324
–328
.10.1159/0000952747.
Counter
,
P.
, 2008
, “
Implantable Hearing Aids
,” Proc. Inst. Mech. Eng., Part H
,
222
(6
), pp. 837
–852
.10.1243/09544119JEIM3658.
Carlson
,
M. L.
,
Pelosi
,
S.
, and
Haynes
,
D. S.
, 2014
, “
Historical Development of Active Middle Ear Implants
,” Otolaryngol. Clin. North Am.
,
47
(6
), pp. 893
–914
.10.1016/j.otc.2014.08.0049.
Calero
,
D.
,
Paul
,
S.
,
Gesing
,
A.
,
Alves
,
F.
, and
Cordioli
,
J. A.
, 2018
, “
A Technical Review and Evaluation of Implantable Sensors for Hearing Devices
,” Biomed. Eng. OnLine
,
17
(1
), p. 23
.10.1186/s12938-018-0454-z10.
Voss
,
S. E.
,
Rosowski
,
J. J.
,
Merchant
,
S. N.
, and
Peake
,
W. T.
, 2000
, “
Acoustic Responses of the Human Middle Ear
,” Hear. Res.
,
150
(1–2
), pp. 43
–69
.10.1016/S0378-5955(00)00177-511.
Aibara
,
R.
,
Welsh
,
J. T.
,
Puria
,
S.
, and
Goode
,
R. L.
, 2001
, “
Human Middle-Ear Sound Transfer Function and Cochlear Input Impedance
,” Hear. Res.
,
152
(1–2
), pp. 100
–109
.10.1016/S0378-5955(00)00240-912.
Rosowski
,
J.
,
Chien
,
W.
,
Ravicz
,
M.
, and
Merchant
,
S.
, 2007
, “
Testing a Method for Quantifying the Output of Implantable Middle Ear Hearing Devices
,” Audiol. Neuro-Otol.
,
12
(4
), pp. 265
–276
.10.1159/00010147413.
Hato
,
N.
,
Stenfelt
,
S.
, and
Goode
,
R. L.
, 2003
, “
Three-Dimensional Stapes Footplate Motion in Human Temporal Bones
,” Audiol. Neurotol.
,
8
(3
), pp. 140
–152
.10.1159/00006947514.
Ferrazzini
,
M.
, 2003
, “
Virtual Middle Ear: A Dynamic Mathematical Model Based on [the] Finite Element Method
,” Ph.D. thesis
, ETH, Zurich, Switzerland. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/35641471_Virtual_middle_ear_a_dynamic_mathematical_model_based_on_finite_element_method15.
Hüttenbrink
,
K.-B.
, 2001
, “
Middle Ear Mechanics and Their Interface With Respect to Implantable Electronic Otologic Devices
,” Otolaryngol. Clin. North Am.
,
34
(2
), pp. 315
–335
.10.1016/S0030-6665(05)70334-016.
Decraemer
,
W. F.
, and
Khanna
,
S. M.
, 2004
, “
Measurement, Visualization and Quantitative Analysis of Complete Three-Dimensional Kinematical Data Sets of Human and Cat Middle Ear
,” Middle Ear Mechanics in Research and Otology
,
World Scientific
, Singapore
, pp. 3
–10
.10.1142/9789812703019_000117.
Sim
,
J. H.
,
Chatzimichalis
,
M.
,
Lauxmann
,
M.
,
Röösli
,
C.
,
Eiber
,
A.
, and
Huber
,
A. M.
, 2010
, “
Complex Stapes Motions in Human Ears
,” J. Assoc. Res. Otolaryngol.
,
11
(3
), pp. 329
–341
.10.1007/s10162-010-0207-618.
Eiber
,
A.
,
Huber
,
A. M.
,
Lauxmann
,
M.
,
Chatzimichalis
,
M.
,
Sequeira
,
D.
, and
Sim
,
J. H.
, 2012
, “
Contribution of Complex Stapes Motion to Cochlea Activation
,” Hear. Res.
,
284
(1–2
), pp. 82
–92
.10.1016/j.heares.2011.11.00819.
Puria
,
S.
,
Fay
,
R. R.
, and
Popper
,
A.
, 2013
, The Middle Ear: Science, Otosurgery, and Technology
, Vol.
46
,
Springer Science & Business Media
, Stanford, CA
.20.
De Paolis
,
A.
,
Bikson
,
M.
,
Nelson
,
J. T.
,
de Ru
,
J. A.
,
Packer
,
M.
, and
Cardoso
,
L.
, 2017
, “
Analytical and Numerical Modeling of the Hearing System: Advances Towards the Assessment of Hearing Damage
,” Hear. Res.
,
349
, pp. 111
–128
.10.1016/j.heares.2017.01.01521.
Ravicz
,
M. E.
,
Peake
,
W. T.
,
Nakajima
,
H. H.
,
Merchant
,
S. N.
, and
Rosowski
,
J. J.
, 2004
, “
Modeling Flexibility in the Human Ossicular Chain: Comparison to Ossicular Fixation Data
,” Middle Ear Mechanics in Research and Otology
,
World Scientific
, Singapore
, pp. 91
–98
.10.1142/9789812703019_001322.
Feng
,
B.
, and
Gan
,
R. Z.
, 2004
, “
Lumped Parametric Model of the Human Ear for Sound Transmission
,” Biomech. Model. Mechanobiol.
,
3
(1
), pp. 33
–47
.10.1007/s10237-004-0044-923.
O'Connor
,
K. N.
, and
Puria
,
S.
, 2008
, “
Middle-Ear Circuit Model Parameters Based on a Population of Human Ears
,” J. Acoust. Soc. Am.
,
123
(1
), pp. 197
–211
.10.1121/1.281735824.
Zhao
,
F.
,
Koike
,
T.
,
Wang
,
J.
,
Sienz
,
H.
, and
Meredith
,
R.
, 2009
, “
Finite Element Analysis of the Middle Ear Transfer Functions and Related Pathologies
,” Med. Eng. Phys.
,
31
(8
), pp. 907
–916
.10.1016/j.medengphy.2009.06.00925.
Chen
,
H.
,
Okumura
,
T.
,
Emura
,
S.
, and
Shoumura
,
S.
, 2008
, “
Scanning Electron Microscopic Study of the Human Auditory Ossicles
,” Ann. Anatomy
, 190(1), pp. 53
–58
.26.
Chen
,
S.-I.
,
Lee
,
M.-H.
,
Yao
,
C.-M.
,
Chen
,
P.-R.
,
Chou
,
Y.-F.
,
Liu
,
T.-C.
,
Song
,
Y.-L.
, and
Lee
,
C.-F.
, 2013
, “
Modeling Sound Transmission of Human Middle Ear and Its Clinical Applications Using Finite Element Analysis
,” Kaohsiung J. Med. Sci.
,
29
(3
), pp. 133
–139
.10.1016/j.kjms.2012.08.02327.
De Greef
,
D.
,
Aernouts
,
J.
,
Aerts
,
J.
,
Cheng
,
J. T.
,
Horwitz
,
R.
,
Rosowski
,
J. J.
, and
Dirckx
,
J. J.
, 2014
, “
Viscoelastic Properties of the Human Tympanic Membrane Studied With Stroboscopic Holography and Finite Element Modeling
,” Hear. Res.
,
312
, pp. 69
–80
.10.1016/j.heares.2014.03.00228.
Koike
,
T.
,
Wada
,
H.
, and
Kobayashi
,
T.
, 2002
, “
Modeling of the Human Middle Ear Using the Finite-Element Method
,” J. Acoust. Soc. Am.
,
111
(3
), pp. 1306
–1317
.10.1121/1.145107329.
Gan
,
R. Z.
,
Feng
,
B.
, and
Sun
,
Q.
, 2004
, “
Three-Dimensional Finite Element Modeling of Human Ear for Sound Transmission
,” Ann. Biomed. Eng.
,
32
(6
), pp. 847
–859
.10.1023/B:ABME.0000030260.22737.5330.
Homma
,
K.
,
Du
,
Y.
,
Shimizu
,
Y.
, and
Puria
,
S.
, 2009
, “
Ossicular Resonance Modes of the Human Middle Ear for Bone and Air Conduction
,” J. Acoust. Soc. Am.
,
125
(2
), pp. 968
–979
.10.1121/1.305656431.
Yao
,
W.
,
Ma
,
J.
, and
Huang
,
X.
, 2013
, “
Numerical Simulation of the Human Ear and the Dynamic Analysis of the Middle Ear Sound Transmission
,” J. Instrum.
,
8
(6
), p. C06009
.10.1088/1748-0221/8/06/C0600932.
Zhang
,
X.
,
Guan
,
X.
,
Nakmali
,
D.
,
Palan
,
V.
,
Pineda
,
M.
, and
Gan
,
R. Z.
, 2014
, “
Experimental and Modeling Study of Human Tympanic Membrane Motion in the Presence of Middle Ear Liquid
,” J. Assoc. Res. Otolaryngol.
,
15
(6
), pp. 867
–881
.10.1007/s10162-014-0482-833.
Lobato
,
L.
,
Paul
,
S.
, and
Cordioli
,
J.
, 2018
, “
On the Material Modeling and Boundary Conditions in Finite Element Models of the Human Tympanic Membrane Under Static and Dynamic Loads
,” Association for Research in Otolaryngology MidWinter Meeting
, San Diego, CA, Feb. 10–14.https://www.researchgate.net/publication/323177580_On_Material_Models_and_Boundary_Conditions_in_Finite_Element_Modeling_of_the_Human_Tympanic_Membrane34.
De Greef
,
D.
,
Buytaert
,
J. A.
,
Aerts
,
J. R.
,
Van Hoorebeke
,
L.
,
Dierick
,
M.
, and
Dirckx
,
J.
, 2015
, “
Details of Human Middle Ear Morphology Based on Micro-CT Imaging of Phosphotungstic Acid Stained Samples
,” J. Morphol.
,
276
(9
), pp. 1025
–1046
.10.1002/jmor.2039235.
Lobato
,
L.
,
Paul
,
S.
, and
Cordioli
,
J.
, 2017
, “
Influence of Different Boundary Conditions at the Tympanic Annulus on Finite Element Models of the Human Middle Ear
,” AIP Conf. Proc.
, 1965(1), p. 110006.10.1063/1.503850636.
Shabana
,
A. A.
, 2013
, Dynamics of Multibody Systems
,
Cambridge University Press
, Cambridge, UK
.37.
Böhnke
,
F.
,
Bretan
,
T.
,
Lehner
,
S.
, and
Strenger
,
T.
, 2013
, “
Simulations and Measurements of Human Middle Ear Vibrations Using Multi-Body Systems and Laser-Doppler Vibrometry With the Floating Mass Transducer
,” Materials
,
6
(10
), pp. 4675
–4688
.10.3390/ma610467538.
Volandri
,
G.
,
Di Puccio
,
F.
,
Forte
,
P.
, and
Manetti
,
S.
, 2012
, “
Model-Oriented Review and Multi-Body Simulation of the Ossicular Chain of the Human Middle Ear
,” Med. Eng. Phys.
,
34
(9
), pp. 1339
–1355
.10.1016/j.medengphy.2012.02.01139.
Hudde
,
H.
, and
Weistenhöfer
,
C.
, 1997
, “
A Three-Dimensional Circuit Model of the Middle Ear
,” Acta Acust. Acust.
,
83
(3
), pp. 535
–549
.https://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/dav/aaua/1997/00000083/00000003/art0001940.
Ihrle
,
S.
,
Lauxmann
,
M.
,
Eiber
,
A.
, and
Eberhard
,
P.
, 2013
, “
Nonlinear Modelling of the Middle Ear as an Elastic Multibody System—Applying Model Order Reduction to Acousto-Structural Coupled Systems
,” J. Comput. Appl. Math.
,
246
, pp. 18
–26
.10.1016/j.cam.2012.07.01041.
Nikravesh
,
P. E.
, 1988
, Computer-Aided Analysis of Mechanical Systems
,
Prentice Hall
, Upper Saddle River, NJ
.42.
Comsol
,
I.
, 2016
, “
Comsol Multiphysics
,” Burlington, MA.43.
Pires
,
F. S.
,
Arellano
,
D. C.
,
Paul
,
S.
, and
Cordioli
,
J. A.
, 2015
, “
On Material Properties and Damping Models for the Dynamic Modeling of the Human Middle Ear by Means of the Finite Element Method
,” J. Acoust. Soc. Am.
,
138
(3
), pp. 1830
–1831
.10.1121/1.493381744.
Cheng
,
T.
, 2007
, “
Mechanical Properties of Human Middle Ear Tissues
,” Ph.D. thesis
,
University of Oklahoma
, Norman, OK
.https://hdl.handle.net/11244/116345.
Cheng
,
T.
, and
Gan
,
R. Z.
, 2007
, “
Mechanical Properties of Stapedial Tendon in Human Middle Ear
,” ASME J. Biomech. Eng.
,
129
(6
), pp. 913
–918
.10.1115/1.280083746.
Cheng
,
T.
, and
Gan
,
R. Z.
, 2008
, “
Experimental Measurement and Modeling Analysis on Mechanical Properties of Tensor Tympani Tendon
,” Med. Eng. Phys.
,
30
(3
), pp. 358
–366
.10.1016/j.medengphy.2007.04.00547.
Cheng
,
T.
, and
Gan
,
R. Z.
, 2008
, “
Mechanical Properties of Anterior Malleolar Ligament From Experimental Measurement and Material Modeling Analysis
,” Biomech. Model. Mechanobiol.
,
7
(5
), pp. 387
–394
.10.1007/s10237-007-0094-x48.
Lauxmann
,
M.
,
Eiber
,
A.
,
Haag
,
F.
, and
Ihrle
,
S.
, 2014
, “
Nonlinear Stiffness Characteristics of the Annular Ligament
,” J. Acoust. Soc. Am.
,
136
(4
), pp. 1756
–1767
.10.1121/1.489569649.
Rusinek
,
R.
,
Warminski
,
J.
,
Weremczuk
,
A.
, and
Szymanski
,
M.
, 2018
, “
Analytical Solutions of a Nonlinear Two Degrees of Freedom Model of a Human Middle Ear With Sma Prosthesis
,” Int. J. Non-Linear Mech.
,
98
, pp. 163
–172
.10.1016/j.ijnonlinmec.2017.10.01450.
Nakajima
,
H. H.
,
Dong
,
W.
,
Olson
,
E. S.
,
Merchant
,
S. N.
,
Ravicz
,
M. E.
, and
Rosowski
,
J. J.
, 2009
, “
Differential Intracochlear Sound Pressure Measurements in Normal Human Temporal Bones
,” J. Assoc. Res. Otolaryngol.
,
10
(1
), pp. 23
–36
.10.1007/s10162-008-0150-y51.
Cheng
,
J. T.
,
Hamade
,
M.
,
Merchant
,
S. N.
,
Rosowski
,
J. J.
,
Harrington
,
E.
, and
Furlong
,
C.
, 2013
, “
Wave Motion on the Surface of the Human Tympanic Membrane: Holographic Measurement and Modeling Analysis
,” J. Acoust. Soc. Am.
,
133
(2
), pp. 918
–937
.10.1121/1.477326352.
Ewins
,
D.
, 2000
, “
Model Validation: Correlation for Updating
,” Sadhana
,
25
(3
), pp. 221
–234
.10.1007/BF0270354153.
Allemang
,
R. J.
, 2003
, “
The Modal Assurance Criterion–Twenty Years of Use and Abuse
,” Sound Vib.
,
37
(8
), pp. 14
–23
.http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.455.7870&rep=rep1&type=pdf54.
McGowan
,
P. E.
,
Angelucci
,
A. F.
, and
Javeed
,
M.
, 1992
, “
Dynamic Test/Analysis Correlation Using Reduced Analytical Models
,” 33rd Structures, Structural Dynamics and Materials Conference
, Dallas, TX, Apr. 13–15, p. 2335
.10.2514/6.1992-233555.
Koutsovasilis
,
P.
, and
Beitelschmidt
,
M.
, 2008
, “
Comparison of Model Reduction Techniques for Large Mechanical Systems
,” Multibody Syst. Dyn.
,
20
(2
), pp. 111
–128
.10.1007/s11044-008-9116-456.
Gan
,
R. Z.
,
Sun
,
Q.
,
Dyer
,
R. K.
, Jr.
,
Chang
,
K.-H.
, and
Dormer
,
K. J.
, 2002
, “
Three-Dimensional Modeling of Middle Ear Biomechanics and Its Applications
,” Otol. Neurotol.
,
23
(3
), pp. 271
–280
.10.1097/00129492-200205000-0000857.
Gan
,
R. Z.
,
Cheng
,
T.
,
Nakmali
,
D.
, and
Wood
,
M. W.
, 2006
, “
Effects of Middle Ear Suspensory Ligaments on Acoustic-Mechanical Transmission in Human Ear
,” Proceedings of the Fourth International Symposium on Middle Ear Mechanics in Research and Otology
, Zurich, Switzerland, July 27–30, pp. 212
–221
.10.1142/9789812708694_002958.
Dai
,
C.
,
Cheng
,
T.
,
Wood
,
M. W.
, and
Gan
,
R. Z.
, 2007
, “
Fixation and Detachment of Superior and Anterior Malleolar Ligaments in Human Middle Ear: Experiment and Modeling
,” Hear. Res.
,
230
(1–2
), pp. 24
–33
.10.1016/j.heares.2007.03.00659.
Nakajima
,
H. H.
,
Ravicz
,
M. E.
,
Merchant
,
S. N.
,
Peake
,
W. T.
, and
Rosowski
,
J. J.
, 2005
, “
Experimental Ossicular Fixations and the Middle Ear's Response to Sound: Evidence for a Flexible Ossicular Chain
,” Hear. Res.
,
204
(1–2
), pp. 60
–77
.10.1016/j.heares.2005.01.00260.
Borg
,
E.
,
Counter
,
S.
, and
Rosler
,
G.
, 1984
, “
Theories of Middle-Ear Muscle Function
,” The Acoustic Reflex: Basic Principles Clinical Applications, Elsevier, East Orange, NJ, pp. 63
–99
.61.
Møller
,
A. R.
, ed., 2006
, Cochlear and Brainstem Implants
(Advances in oto-rhino-laryngology),
64
,
Karger
, Basel, Switzerland
.62.
Willi
,
U. B.
,
Ferrazzini
,
M. A.
, and
Huber
,
A. M.
, 2002
, “
The Incudo-Malleolar Joint and Sound Transmission Losses
,” Hear. Res.
,
174
(1–2
), pp. 32
–44
.10.1016/S0378-5955(02)00632-963.
Offergeld
,
C.
,
Lazurashvili
,
N.
,
Bornitz
,
M.
,
Beleites
,
T.
, and
Zahnert
,
T.
, 2007
, “
Experimental Investigations on the Functional Effect of Ossicular Joint Fixation
,” Middle Ear Mechanics in Research and Otology
, pp. 102
–108
.10.1142/9789812708694_001364.
Ewins
,
D. J.
, 1984
, Modal Testing: Theory and Practice
, Vol.
15
,
Research Studies Press
, Letchworth, UK
.Copyright © 2020 by ASME
You do not currently have access to this content.
