Volume displacement of the tympanic membrane in the sitting position as a function of middle ear muscle activity. A quantitative microflow method.

An open microflow meter system has been worked out for quantitative recording of the volume displacement of the tympanic membrane and its movement direction at stapedius reflex. An acoustically elicited M. stapedius contraction can be recognized by the characteristic response and latency time. The stapedius reflex contraction causes an outward or inward movement of the tympanic membrane. The magnitude of the volume displacement of the tympanic membrane is influenced by the middle ear pressure and in some ears the movement direction of the tympanic membrane changes.