Research on Biomedical Engineering
http://www.rbejournal.periodikos.com.br/article/doi/10.1590/1517-3151.0252
Research on Biomedical Engineering
Original Article

A mass-spring model of the auditory system in otosclerosis

Fragoso, Lygia Bueno; Magalhães, Max de Castro; De Las Casas, Estevam Barbosa; Santos, Juliana Nunes; Rabelo, Alessandra Terra Vasconcelos; Oliveira, Rafaella Cristina

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Abstract

Introduction: This paper aims to describe a model to simulate otosclerosis using a mass-spring model and to correlate the results with the clinical and audiological data on the disease. Methods: A mass-spring model was used to represent the behavior of the auditory system simulating otosclerosis. The model consisted of six masses (air volume in the external auditory canal; tympanic membrane; malleus; incus; stapes, and cochlear fl uid), springs and dashpots simulating the supporting ligaments and muscles. The parameters to simulate the disease were obtained from the literature; stapedial annular ligament stiffness was increased by 10-fold and to 100-fold and stapes mass increased by 5-fold. Results: There was a decrease in stapes displacement in the lower frequencies when the stiffness of the stapedial annular ligament was increased. It was also found a reduction in stapes displacement in the higher frequencies with increased stapes mass. Conclusions: The increased stiffness of the stapedial annular ligament can be an indication of early stage disease, whereas increased bone growth suggests disease progression. The results of the simulation are in agreement with the clinical and audiological disease and support the need for further study of the stapedial annular ligament to fi nd ways to evaluate its functioning and thus enable early detection of hearing losses caused by changes in that structure.

Keywords

Biomechanics, Otosclerosis, Hearing.
5889fbe65d01231a018b4849 rbeb Articles
Links & Downloads

Res. Biomed. Eng.

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