The Normal Human Intra-Aural Muscle Reflex in Response to Sound

Abstract

1. The particular modification of the method of tympanomanometry as it is employed in our laboratory has proven to be a useful tool in the investigation of the normal human intra-aural muscle reflex.

2. Some of the signal-response relationships of this reflex have been investigated and discussed.

3. Evidence was presented which supports the thesis that both the stapedius and tensor tympany muscles in the human respond to sound stimuli.

4. The suggestion is made that this technique lends itself to increasing the accuracy of pre-operative diagnosis of some forms of conductive hearing loss.