A Three-Dimensional Lump Model on Performances of the Stapes Displacement under Different Mechanics Property Conditions of a Middle Ear

Abstract

In this article, a three-dimensional (3D) lumped model of the human auditoria peripherals that consisted of four masses equipped with five major springs and major dashpots is presented. This model will support the quantitative basis for construction of a human middle ear physical model. This 3D lumped model consists of a human ear bone model having a similar working principle as the tiny mechanical structure. The 3D lumped model’s parameters were identified using previous anatomical data, and then constructed via a parameter optimizing process using 16 springs and dashpots that represent the tiny mechanical structure’s five connections. The computational results showed the sensitivity priority of the five connections to the stapes displacement with a variety of sound frequencies. Moreover, a detailed discussion of the five connections’ mechanical properties affecting the magnitude of the stapes displacement was also shown in this paper. As a result of increasing the stiffness in the joint of the middle ear bone connection, the stapes’ vibrational amplitude was increased. However, the magnitude of the value of the four masses reacts in a manner that is opposite to stapes displacement. Some specific frequency ranges of the voice properties to the mass and connector systems are also discussed in this paper. The details of the individual mass or joint activity to the stapes displacement at various frequency ranges are also presented. The model’s behaviors were calculated using the software ANSYS workbench 15.0, Solid works 2017, and the MATLAB R2015a. Our findings provide a relevant reference for related medical research.