An analogical model for tympanometry of the pathological human middle ear

Tympanometry involves measuring the acoustic admittance of the middle ear system as a function of air pressure in the external auditory meatus. Since tympanogram provides a noninvasive and objective evaluation of middle ear functions, it has gained a wide application in the ear, nose, and throat (ENT) clinic. In this study, parameters of the middle ear circuit analog model were manipulated to mimic tympanograms of the ear with a flaccid eardrum and otosclerosis, which were consistent with those typically observed in the clinic. Also, the recently developed inner ear model was combined with the classical middle ear model to mimic tympanograms of the ear with a flaccid eardrum. Applying the circuit model to different middle ear diseases can provide a better understanding of the mechanism of tympanometry and promote its clinical utility.