Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 11, 2025

Author Spotlight: Development of a Laser-Induced Shock Wave Animal Model Without Tympanic Membrane Perforation
Published on: March 1, 2024
Study on damage of the macrostructure of the cochlea under the impact load
Jiakun Wang1,2, Junyi Liang3, Lei Gao1,2
1School of Mechanics and Engineering Science, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China.
Abstract:
Due to the tiny and delicate structure of the cochlea, the auditory system is the most sensitive to explosion impact damage. After being damaged by the explosion impact wave, it usually causes long-term deafness, tinnitus, and other symptoms. To better understand the influence of impact load on the cochlea and basilar membrane (BM), a three-dimensional (3D) fluid-solid coupling finite element model was developed. This model accurately reflects the actual spatial spiral shape of the human cochlea, as well as the lymph environment and biological materials. Based on verifying the reliability of the model, the curve of impact load-amplitude response was obtained, and damage of impact load on the cochlea and the key macrostructure-BM was analyzed. The results indicate that impact wave at middle frequency has widest influence on the cochlea. Furthermore, impact loading causes tears in the BM and destroys the cochlear frequency selectivity.
Related Concept Videos
The Cochlea
Impact Loading
In cases of elastic deformation,...
Anatomy of the Ear
Hair Cells
Impact Loading on a Cantilever Beam
When an object is dropped onto the free end of a cantilever, its potential energy due to gravity is...
The Auditory Ossicles
The aptly named stapes look very much like a stirrup. The three ossicles are unique to mammals, and each plays a role in...

