Human Middle Ear Transfer Function Measured by Double Laser Interferometry System

Hypothesis: Simultaneous measurements of vibrations on the stapes footplate, incudostapedial (IS) joint, and tympanic membrane (TM) can be made in both normal and drained cochleae, and the stapes displacement transfer function (S-DTF) and TM displacement transfer function (TM-DTF) are derived. Background: A single laser Doppler interferometer previously has been used for measuring movement of the stapes or TM in temporal bones. However, there may be a limitation to optimally describing acoustic–mechanical transmission when the interferometer and temporal bone are moved frequently during experimental recordings. Simultaneous measurements of vibrations of the TM and stapes footplate, or TM and IS joint may reveal different acoustic–mechanical characteristics of the middle ear. Methods: Dual laser interferometers simultaneously measured vibrations of the TM, IS joint, and stapes in 10 temporal bones with both intact and drained cochleae. From these measurements, the middle ear transfer function was expressed as the S-DTF, TM-DTF, and displacement transmission ratio (DTR). Results: Simultaneous displacements of the TM, IS joint, and stapes footplate induced by sound pressure in the ear canal were recorded in both amplitude and phase. The middle ear transfer functions in terms of displacement ratio confirmed published single interferometer data but provided new information from drained cochlea. Conclusion: Stapes and TM displacement transfer functions were determined using dual interferometry, provided accurate amplitude and phase relationships from stapes footplate, IS joint, and TM, with new data from drained and normal cochlea.