Middle Ear Actuator Performance Determined From Intracochlear Pressure Measurements in a Single Cochlear Scala. 2021

Stefan Raufer, and Ute A Gamm, and Martin Grossöhmichen, and Thomas Lenarz, and Hannes Maier
Department of Otolaryngology and Institute of Audioneurotechnology (VIANNA), Hannover Medical School, Hannover.

Intracochlear pressure measurements in one cochlear scala are sufficient as reference to determine the output of an active middle ear implant (AMEI) in terms of "equivalent sound pressure level" (eqSPL). The performance of AMEIs is commonly calculated from stapes velocities or intracochlear pressure differences (PDiff). However, there are scenarios where measuring stapes velocities or PDiff may not be feasible, for example when access to the stapes or one of the scalae is impractical. We reanalyzed data from a previous study of our group that investigated the performance of an AMEI coupled to the incus in 10 human temporal bones. We calculated eqSPL based on stapes velocities according to the ASTM standard F2504-05 and based on intracochlear pressures in scala vestibuli, scala tympani, and PDiff. The AMEI produced eqSPL of ∼100 to 120 dB at 1 Vrms. No significant differences were found between using intracochlear pressures in scala vestibuli, scala tympani, or PDiff as a reference. The actuator performance calculated from stapes displacements predicted slightly higher eqSPLs at frequencies above 1000 Hz, but these differences were not statistically significant. Our findings show that pressure measurements in one scala can be sufficient to evaluate the performance of an AMEI coupled to the incus. The method may be extended to other stimulation modalities of the middle ear or cochlea when access to the stapes or one of the scalae is not possible.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D003051 Cochlea The part of the inner ear (LABYRINTH) that is concerned with hearing. It forms the anterior part of the labyrinth, as a snail-like structure that is situated almost horizontally anterior to the VESTIBULAR LABYRINTH. Cochleas
D004432 Ear, Middle The space and structures directly internal to the TYMPANIC MEMBRANE and external to the inner ear (LABYRINTH). Its major components include the AUDITORY OSSICLES and the EUSTACHIAN TUBE that connects the cavity of middle ear (tympanic cavity) to the upper part of the throat. Tympanic Cavity,Tympanum,Middle Ear,Cavities, Tympanic,Cavity, Tympanic,Ears, Middle,Middle Ears,Tympanic Cavities,Tympanums
D006801 Humans Members of the species Homo sapiens. Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D012533 Scala Tympani The lower chamber of the COCHLEA, extending from the round window to the helicotrema (the opening at the apex that connects the PERILYMPH-filled spaces of scala tympani and SCALA VESTIBULI). Scala Tympanus,Tympani, Scala,Tympanus, Scala
D013016 Sound A type of non-ionizing radiation in which energy is transmitted through solid, liquid, or gas as compression waves. Sound (acoustic or sonic) radiation with frequencies above the audible range is classified as ultrasonic. Sound radiation below the audible range is classified as infrasonic. Acoustic Waves,Elastic Waves,Sonic Radiation,Sound Waves,Acoustic Wave,Elastic Wave,Radiation, Sonic,Radiations, Sonic,Sonic Radiations,Sound Wave,Sounds,Wave, Acoustic,Wave, Elastic,Wave, Sound,Waves, Acoustic,Waves, Elastic,Waves, Sound
D054738 Scala Vestibuli The upper chamber of the COCHLEA that is filled with PERILYMPH. It is connected to SCALA TYMPANI via helicotrema at the apex of the cochlea. Scala Vestibulus,Vestibuli, Scala,Vestibulus, Scala

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