Otorhinolaryngology

Conclusions . The characteristic features of the Hh specimen conformed to those of other Pleistocene human fossils, indicating strong cranial structures and a heavy mandible. The mastoid was large and suggested a powerful sternocleidomastoid muscle. The inner ear and tympanic cavities were similar in size and orientation, suggesting that their functions were probably similar. Our observations suggest that the left ear of this Hh specimen was healthy. The large canaliculo Á/fenestral angle confirms that this ancestor was bipedal. It also strongly suggests that Hh individuals were predisposed to develop certain pathologies of the labyrinth capsule associated with bipedalism, in particular otosclerosis. Objective . We studied a temporal bone of Homo heidelbergensis (Hh) in order to investigate the clinical and physiological implications of certain morphological features, especially those associated with the evolutionary reorganization of the inner ear. Material and methods . The bone, found in a breach of a cave near Málaga in southern Spain, together with Middle Á/Upper Pleistocene faunal remains, is /300 000 years old. Four analytical methods were employed. A 3D highresolution surface laser scan was used for anatomical measurements. For the sectional analysis of the middle and inner ears of Hh we used high-resolution CT, simultaneously studying a normal temporal bone from Homo sapiens sapiens (Hss). To study the middle and inner ear spaces we used 3D reconstruction CT preceded by an intra-bone air shielding technique. To examine the tympanic cavities and measure the canaliculo Á/fenestral angle, we used a special minimally invasive endoscopic procedure. Results. The surface, sectional and 3D CT examinations showed that the Hh specimen was generally more robust and larger than the Hss specimen. It had a large glenoid fossa. The external meatus was wide and deep. The middle ear, and especially the mastoid, was large and widely pneumatized. There were no appreciable differences in the position and size of the labyrinthine spaces and tympanic cavity. The dimensions of the semicircular canals were similar to those of the Hss specimen. Endoscopy revealed normal, healthy tympanic walls and an ossicle fragment in the atticum that probably belonged to the body of the malleus. The diameters of the fallopian duct and the tympanic opening of the Eustachian tube were large. The canaliculo Á/fenestral angle was :/1148.

This study presents the result obtained with a numerical model developed to simulate the dynamic behavior of the human tympanic ossicular system (HTOS). The model includes the tympanic membrane, a chain of small bones (malleus, incus and stapes), the tendons and ligaments that support chain. A three-dimensional geometric model is generated using CAD tools, based on measurements previously published. The dynamic behaviour is simulated using the finite element method (FEM) with a harmonic analysis. The system response is measured with the displacement of umbo and the stapedial footplate for a sound pressure equivalent to 90 dBSPL, acting on the outer side of the eardrum in a frequency range from 200 Hz and 8,000 Hz. The influence of different parameters in the response of the system is studied. It is the case of the Young's modulus of the tympanic membrane and the damping coefficient. Comparison with experimental results permits the validation of the model and helps to estimate th...

This study presents the result obtained with a nume rical model developed to simulate the dynamic behavior of the human tympanic ossicular system (HTOS). The model includes the tympanic membrane, a chain of small bones (malleus, incus and stapes), the tendons and ligaments that support chain. A three-dimensional g eometric model is generated using CAD tools, based on measurements previously published. The dynamic behaviour is simulated using the finite element method (FEM) with a harmonic analysis. The system response is measured with the displacement of umbo and the stapedia l footplate for a sound pressure equivalent to 90 dB SPL , acting on the outer side of the eardrum in a freq uency range from 200 Hz and 8,000 Hz. The influence of different parameters in the response of the system is studied. It is the case of the Young's modulus of the tympan ic membrane and the damping coefficient. Comparison with experimental results permits the va lidation of the model and helps to est...

Conclusions. The characteristic features of the Hh specimen conformed to those of other Pleistocene human fossils, indicating strong cranial structures and a heavy mandible. The mastoid was large and suggested a powerful sternocleidomastoid muscle. The inner ear and tympanic cavities were similar in size and orientation, suggesting that their functions were probably similar. Our observations suggest that the left ear of this Hh specimen was healthy. The large canaliculo /fenestral angle confirms that this ancestor was bipedal. It also strongly suggests that Hh individuals were predisposed to develop certain pathologies of the labyrinth capsule associated with bipedalism, in particular otosclerosis. Objective. We studied a temporal bone of Homo heidelbergensis (Hh) in order to investigate the clinical and physiological implications of certain morphological features, especially those associated with the evolutionary reorganization of the inner ear. Material and methods. The bone, foun...