MIDDLE EAR MECHANISMS IN PROTECTION AGAINST NOISE INDUCED COCHLEAR DAMAGE

Quantitative estimation of sound transmission attenuation by different middle-ear protecting mechanisms was made with the use of a computer-based CM-cogram analyzing method (FFT of cochlear output in response to white noise) and other audiometric means. Strong reflex contraction of the middle-ear muscles in guinea pigs may cause a 5- 20 dB transmission attenuation in different frequency ranges. For impulse noise exposure, the presence of an effective reflex at the lashing of every impulse may reduce the post - exposure hearing threshold shift in 15 dB on an average.Increasing tension of the tympanic membrane by applying pressure to the ear- canal is also eflicacious.especially for frequencies below 500 Hz where attenuation of more than 10dB may result at a pressure difference of about 200mm H2O between the two sides of the membrane. Simulated opening of the eustachian tube helps only very insignificantly, with attenuation less than 5 dB. Destruction of the middle-ear structures ( drum perforation, ossicular disruption etc .) and fluid accumulation inside the tympanic cavity may buffer acoustic trauma to the cochlea to different extent depending on the amount of transmission attenuation.