ACOUSTIC AND NONACOUSTIC FACTORS MODIFYING MIDDLE-EAR MUSCLE ACTIVITY IN WAKING CATS

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Abstract
Middle-ear muscle contractions to acoustic and nonacoustic stimuli have been studied utilizing recordings of cochlear round window responses and electromyograms of the tensor tympani and stapedius muscles. Effects of interruption of the efferent, afferent and central connections of the middle ear reflex have been analyzed. Middle-ear muscles gradually relax during prolonged steady sound stimulation; contractions of the middle-ear muscles occur in association with bodily movements and vocalization; middle-ear muscle activity may be modified by prior acoustic experience, by association of sound with noxious stimuli, and by intercollicular decerebration. Middle-ear muscles are involved in functions other than protection against acoustic trauma.