MIDDLE EAR PRESSURE AND AUDITORY ACUITY

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Abstract
In 60 exps. on cats to learn the effect of middle ear pressure changes on the ability of the ear to transmit sound stimuli, the Wever and Bray phenomenon was used throughout for detecting variations in the efficiency of an otherwise normal ear. Pressure changes were measured by manometer systems introduced into the middle ear through the eustachian tube and the wall of the bulla. Impairment in the intensity of transmission was noted in the presence of either increased or decreased pressure (lowest effective pressure 5 mm. Hg [plus or minu]), and increased directly with the extent of pressure change. With extreme pressures, 30 mm. Hg [plus or minu], the ear could not be fatigued. The effect of the pressure change could not be modified by experimental changes in inner ear pressure. The effect of these pressure changes corresponds in every way to experimental fixation of the ossicular chain produced by tension on the tendons of the intrinsic muscles of the ear. It is assumed therefore that pressure changes in the middle ear depend for their effect on impairment of the function of the conduction mechanism.

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