Influence of middle ear disorder in round-window stimulation using a finite element human ear model

The aim of this work was to study the effect of middle ear disorder on round window (RW) stimulation, so as to provide references for the optimal design of RW stimulation type middle ear implants (MEIs).

A human ear finite-element model was built by reverse engineering technique based on micro-computed tomography scanning images of human temporal bone, and was validated by three sets of comparisons with experimental data. Then, based on this model, typical disorders in otosclerosis and otitis media were simulated. Finally, their influences on the RW stimulation were analyzed by comparison of the displacements of the basilar membrane.

For the otosclerosis, the stapedial abnormal bone growth severely deteriorated the equivalent sound pressure of the RW stimulation at higher frequencies, while the hardening of ligaments and tendons prominently decreased the RW stimulation at lower frequencies. Besides, among the hardening of the studied tissues, the influence of the stapedial annular ligament's hardening was much more significant. For the otitis media, the round window membrane (RWM)'s thickening mainly decreased the RW stimulation's performance at lower frequencies. When the elastic modulus' reduction of the RWM was considered at the same time especially for the acute otitis media, it would raise the lower-frequency performance of the RW stimulation.

The influence of the middle ear disorder on the RW stimulation is considerable and variable, it should be considered during the design of the RW stimulation type MEIs.