Finite element analysis of auditory characteristics in patients with middle ear diseases.

CONCLUSION

This study validates that a finite element model of the human ossicular chain and tympanic membrane can be used as an effective surgical assessment tool in clinics.

OBJECTIVE

The present study was performed to investigate the application of a finite element model of ossicular chain and tympanic membrane for fabrication of individualized artificial ossicles.

METHODS

Twenty patients (20 ears) who underwent surgery for middle ear disease (n = 20) and 10 healthy controls (10 ears) were enrolled in the hospital. Computed tomography (CT) and pure tone audiometry were performed before and after surgery. A finite element model was developed using CT scans, and correlation analysis was conducted between stapes displacement and surgical methods. An audiometric test was also performed for 14 patients before and after surgery.

RESULTS

Stapes displacement in the healthy group (average = 3.31 × 10-5 mm) was significantly greater than that in the impaired group (average = 1.41 × 10-6 mm) prior to surgery. After surgery, the average displacement in the impaired group was 2.55 × 10-6 mm, which represented a significant improvement. For the patients who underwent the audiometric test, 10 improved hearing after surgery, and stapes displacement increased in nine of these 10 patients.