Effect of increased inner ear pressure on middle ear mechanics

Velocity of malleus, umbo, and stapes footplate in response to stepwise increases up to +400 mm H2O in hydrostatic pressure of the inner ear was investigated in 10 fresh human temporal bones by using a laser Doppler interferometer. The sound-pressure input was 114 dB SPL, and the frequency range was 0.4 to 5.0 kHz. Static displacement of these sites was also measured by a video measuring system. When the inner ear pressure was increased, the malleus and stapes moved outward. Amplitude of umbo velocity decreased below 1.0 kHz with a slight increase around 2.0 kHz, whereas stapes velocity decreased at all frequencies with the major effect below 1.0 kHz. The phase angle of malleus umbo velocity advanced markedly in response to the increased inner ear pressure between 1.0 and 1.4 kHz. Change in the vibration of the umbo was thought to be primarily caused by an increased stiffness of the middle ear conduction system, and that of the stapes was caused by distention of the annular ligament and increased cochlear impedance produced by the increased inner ear pressure. These changes in TM vibration and its phase angle may help detect indirectly an elevation of inner ear pressure.