This book explores the middle ear system, describing the function of the middle-ear bones, the structure of the tympanic membrane and the motility of the outer hair cells in the cochlea, which endow mammals with a unique capacity for hearing high-frequencies.

The middle ear plays a vital role in the sense and sensitivity of hearing. Of the various characteristics that distinguish mammals from other vertebrates, several pertain specifically to the middle-ear system, such as the presence of three middle-ear bones and the four-layer composite structure of the tympanic membrane. The Middle Ear attempts to elucidate the role this system plays in sound transmission, as viewed from both scientific and clinical perspectives.

In-depth description of the middle ear in mammals and other vertebrates Details hearing ranges of various vertebrates Describes sound transmission through the middle ear Includes supplementary material: sn.pub/extras

Inhalt

1. The Middle Ear: Science and Applications Sunil Puria.- 2. The Evolution and Development of Middle Ears in Land Vertebrates Geoffrey A. Manley and Ulrike J. Sienknecht.- 3. Comparative Middle-Ear Structure and Function in Vertebrates John J. Rosowski.- 4. Function and Acoustics of the Normal and Diseased Middle Ear Susan E. Voss, Hideko Heidi Nakajima, and Alexander M. Huber.- 5. Quasi-Static Pressures in the Middle-Ear Cleft Joris J. J. Dirckx, Yael Marcusohn, and Michael L. Gaihede.- 6. Bone Conduction and the Middle Ear Stefan Stenfelt.- 7. Modeling of Middle-Ear Mechanics W. Robert J. Funnell, Nima Maftoon, and Willem F. Decraemer.- 8. Diagnostic Measurements and Imaging Technologies for the Middle Ear Gerald R. Popelka and Lisa L. Hunter.- 9. Surgical Reconstruction and Passive Prostheses Saumil N. Merchant and John J. Rosowski .- 10. Middle-Ear Hearing Devices Sunil Puria.