Middle Ear Mechanics: The Science of Ossiculoplasty.

The middle ear amplifies sound waves transmitted through air, allowing for sufficient sound pressure to be received in the cochlea through a few interesting mechanisms of the tympanic membrane and ossicular chain, which is composed of the malleus (hammer), incus (anvil), and stapes (stirrup). We discuss how these structures serve as an acoustic conduit, alleviating the large impedance mismatch between air and fluid; and we provide an overview of the anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics of the middle ear, which are important concepts relevant to ossiculoplasty. By combining surgical expertise with scientific innovation, ossiculoplasty remains a cornerstone of middle ear surgery.