Finite-element modelling of middle-ear prostheses in cat

Discontinuity of the middle-ear ossicular chain results in conductive hearing loss. Two prostheses commonly used to surgically repair the ossicular chain are the MSA and the MFA. In the MSA, a strut is connected between the malleus and the head of the stapes, while in the MFA a strut is connected between the malleus and the footplate of the stapes. In this work, finite-element models of the MSA, MFA and normal cat middle ear are developed. The models are valid for low frequencies (below 300 Hz) and for physiological sound levels. The mechanical behaviour of the normal middle-ear model is compared with that of the MFA and MSA models. Several parameters are then varied in order to study their relative importance in the models. The effects of strut placement on the behaviour of the MSA and MFA models are also investigated