A lumped-parameter mechanical model of human ear for sound transmission

A lumped model of human middle ear consisting of 6 masses suspended with 9 pairs of springs and dashpots was proposed. 18 unknown parameters were identified based on the governing equations of the system. The experimental data of the tympanic membrane (TM) and stapes footplate displacements measured from ten human temporal bones using double laser interferometers were incorporated into the derived equations. All 18 parameters for springs and dashpots were calculated through optimization process and parameter-perturbation using MATLAB software. The agreement between the model prediction and the experimental data at the TM and footplate in both amplitude and phase shows that the model gives a good simulation of middle ear dynamics for sound transmission. This lumped model will be used for the developing of a 3-D physical model, which will be applied to the design of middle ear implantable devices.