Use of Modeling in Predicting Tympanic Membrane Rupture

Abstract

A bioengineering model of the response of the tympanic membrane to air blast loading is proposed as a means of developing Damage Risk Criteria for human exposure to impulsive noise. The model incorporates known physical properties of the tympanic membrane and predicts the magnitude of tissue stresses that occur under various blast conditions. Observed eardrum rupture in cadavers agrees well with the prediction of critical stresses within the tissue.