Computer-aided modeling of sound transmission of the human middle ear and its otological applications using finite element analysis

Yu-Lin Song^{a, b}, Chia-Fone Lee^{c, d}

^a Department of Mechanical Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
^b High Technology Research Center, Yen Tjing Ling Industrial Research Institute, Taipei, Taiwan
^c Department of Otolaryngology, Buddhist Tzu Chi General Hospital, Hualien, Taiwan
^d Department of Medicine, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan

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Abstract
A three-dimensional geometric model of the human middle ear can be constructed in a computer-aided design environment with acute geometry and microanatomy. A working finite element (FE) model of the human middle ear can be created by using the published material properties of middle ear components to study sound transfer function. In this article, we review the latest technology and advances in the field of the finite model. Biomechanics and modeling of the human middle ear are also used in the study of middle ear pathology and the development of hearing devices. Although current FE models are useful for better understanding of human middle ear biomechanics, at present none of the FE models have been accepted as tools for diagnosis and surgical planning. The main challenge is how to improve the accuracy of the FE model in terms of predicting middle ear transfer function. Owing to the inhomogenous microstructure of the tissues in the middle ear, the mechanical properties of these tissues may vary depending on several methodological factors of measurement.

Keywords
Computer aid design; Finite element method; Hearing devices; Human middle ear; Sound transmission function