Hearing and Balance - Physiology and Clinical aspects

Question 1

what is the role of the middle ear

Answer 1

transforms acoustic energy from the medium of air to the medium of fluid

does this by acting as an amplifier

Question 2

how does the middle ear amplify sound

Answer 2

area affect of the tympanic membrane - area ratio of TM to stapes footplate is 17:1

lever action of ossicular chain - ratio of pressure on stapes footplate to pressure on malleus is 1.3:1