What is impedance matching and how does it work in the middle ear mechanism?

Impedance matching is one of the important functions of middle ear. The middle ear transfers the incoming vibration from the comparatively large, low impedance tympanic membrane to the much smaller, high impedance oval window. Middle ear is an efficient impedance transformer.

Which mechanism is the most effective impedance matching mechanism of the middle ear?

The area ratio (pressure) transformer is the first and most effective of the three impedance matching mechanisms. It results from the difference in surface area between the tympanic membrane and the membrane covering the oval window.

How is impedance matching achieved in the ear?

The matching of impedances is accomplished in two ways: primarily by the reduction in area between the tympanic membrane and the stapes footplate and secondarily by the mechanical advantage of the lever formed by the malleus and incus.

How does the middle ear match the impedance of the cochlea?

In summation, the middle ear couples sound energy from the outer ear to the cochlea. The outer ear is air-filled and the cochlea is filled with liquid, which causes an impedance mismatch.

What is the impedance matching system?

In electronics, impedance matching is the practice of designing the input impedance of an electrical load or the output impedance of its corresponding signal source to maximize the power transfer or minimize signal reflection from the load.

What is the main function of the eustachian tube?

This air-containing space is maintained by the Eustachian tube, which opens intermittently to equalize the intratympanic air pressure with the pressure in the external auditory canal. It also removes secretion and epithelial debris from the middle ear by ciliary motion and gravity.

What is impedance matching in physiology?

there are 3 aspects of middle ear movement that minimize energy loss because they amplify the pressure delivered to the oval window relative to the pressure applied to the tympanic membrane.

What is the mechanism involved in hearing?

The mechanism of hearing. Sound waves enter the outer ear and travel through the external auditory canal until they reach the tympanic membrane, causing the membrane and the attached chain of auditory ossicles to vibrate.