This paper on "A Finite Element Model of the Middle Ear" was presented at the NAFEMS World Congress on Effective Engineering Analysis - 25-28 April 1999, Newport, Rhode Island, USA.

Introduction to Paper

A finite element model of the middle ear is being constructed in order to allow a new design approach to ossicular prostheses, for the treatment of chronic suppurative otitis media, an important cause of conductive hearing loss. Most ossicular prostheses involve the creation of a link between the eardrum and the stapes head, based loosely on the structure of the columella ears found in birds and reptiles rather than on the mammalian three ossicle ear. A more promising approach to prosthesis design is to reconstruct the chain along more physiologically relevant lines. Finite element modelling of vibration transmission through the middle ear is being used to design and evaluate different configurations of physiological ossicular chain reconstruction. The aim of this work is to produce prostheses that result in a more successful treatment for conductive hearing loss.