Numerical Modeling of Human Middle Ear Biomechanics Using Finite Element Method

An accurate finite element (FE) model of the human middle ear can provide better understanding of the mechanics of middle ear, and can be used for aiding the design of the implantable middle ear hearing devices. In this paper, a three-dimensional (3D) FE model of the human middle ear was constructed, including the tympanic membrane, ossicular bones, and middle ear suspensory ligaments/muscles. This model was constructed based on a complete set of computerized tomography section images of a healthy volunteer's left ear by reverse engineering technology. The validity of this model was confirmed by comparing the motions of the tympanic membrane and stapes footplate obtained by this model with published experimental measurements on human temporal bones. The result shows that the model is reasonable in predicting the biomechanics of the human middle ear.