The influence of perilymphatic pressure on the displacement of the tympanic membrane. A quantitative study on human temporal bones.

A model study on human temporal bones was performed. A microflow method was used in order to assess the possibility of making indirect recordings of changes in the inner ear pressures. Changes in the perilymphatic pressure were recorded as displacements of the tympanic membrane, the stapedius reflex being artificially elicited by forces applied briefly to the stapedius tendon. Changes in the perilymphatic pressures in the range of +/-15 cm H2O affected the position of the tympanic membrane and the "stapedius reflex response". The microflow method used seems suitable for the clinical recording of changes in the intralabyrinthine pressure.