Impedance transfer: acoustic impedance of the annular ligament and stapedial tendon reconstruction in otosclerosis surgery.

The resistance rebuilt around the lower tip of the piston must be the same as that created by the annular ligament of the stapes footplate. Otherwise, the threshold at which an acoustic or barotrauma is able to damage the membranes and hair cells of the inner ear will be lowered. The elasticity reestablished around the lower tip of the piston plays a part in the quality and quantity of hearing for the low frequencies up to 3 kHz. To protect the ear against acoustic traumas, an attempt to rebuild the stapedial reflex is proposed.