Laser Doppler vibrometer (LDV)--a new clinical tool for the otologist.

We describe a laser Doppler system (LDS) that can be used clinically for the measurement of tympanic membrane (TM), malleus and prosthesis head displacement in response to sound inputs of 80-to 100-dB sound-pressure level (SPL). It also has the potential for use in the operating room to perform measurements of prosthesis and stapes displacement. The information provided by such testing gives the otologist knowledge of TM and ossicular function that is unique in evaluating middle ear function; it should help select the best type of reconstruction in a given case and direct us toward new and better methods of TM and ossicular reconstruction. The results of umbo displacement measurements in 95 human ears are reported. Examples are provided of LDS measurements in representative ears and how they can be of help to the clinician. The potential of multisite TM-displacement testing is demonstrated in two temporal bones, including before and after partial ossicular replacement prosthesis (PORP) insertion.