{
  "abstract": "Computational models of the middle ear are typically developed within the linear range of the middle ear's response, which corresponds to typical sounds in daily life. Understanding middle-ear biomechanics under high-intensity sounds is also important for assessing potential auditory damage under adverse conditions. In this study, a finite-element (FE) model of the human middle ear plus the external ear canal is presented, employing a first-order Ogden hyperelastic material formulation and time-domain nonlinear analysis to capture nonlinear deformation of soft tissues and the resulting middle-ear response. The model was analyzed using pure-tone pressure excitations applied at the ear canal entrance over the 80 Hz to 8 kHz frequency range and 110 to 180 dB sound pressure levels (SPL). The ear canal pressure near the tympanic membrane (TM) and full-field three-dimensional response of the middle ear structures were examined. Across the investigated frequency range, the simulated middle-ear motion exhibited a transition from predominantly piston-like behavior at low frequencies, up to 1 kHz, to increasingly intricate multi-modal and multi-directional vibration patterns at higher frequencies. Nonlinear behaviors became increasingly significant at high frequencies and high stimulus levels, including compressive/expansive pressure-displacement relationships, waveform distortions, and the emergence of non-harmonic spectral components. The model developed in this study provides a computational framework for studying nonlinear sound transmission through the middle ear and its implications for high-intensity acoustic exposure. The findings contribute to a better understanding of middle-ear mechanics under adverse conditions and support future investigations of acoustic trauma and hearing protection strategies.",
  "abstract_shown": true,
  "affiliations": [
    "Massachusetts Eye and Ear"
  ],
  "article_type": "New results",
  "arxiv": null,
  "author_total": 4,
  "authors": [
    {
      "affs": [
        0
      ],
      "name": "H. Mohammadi"
    },
    {
      "name": "A. Tubelli"
    },
    {
      "name": "S. Puria"
    },
    {
      "name": "J. T. Cheng"
    }
  ],
  "bibtex": "https://research.draconitic.com/paper/e8arwsn53xtex.bib",
  "cited_by": 0,
  "doi": "10.64898/2026.09.23.753568",
  "fulltext_url": "https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.09.23.753568v1.full",
  "id": "e8arwsn53xtex",
  "issns": [],
  "landing_url": "https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.09.23.753568v1",
  "language": null,
  "licence": "CC-BY-ND",
  "licence_label": "CC BY-ND",
  "licence_source": "article",
  "licence_url": "https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/",
  "metadata_licence": null,
  "native_subjects": [
    [
      "biorxiv",
      "bioengineering"
    ],
    [
      "openalex",
      "2809|Hearing, Cochlea, Tinnitus, Genetics"
    ]
  ],
  "openalex": "W7214213910",
  "pdf_url": "https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.09.23.753568v1.full.pdf",
  "pmcid": null,
  "pmid": null,
  "published": "2026-09-23",
  "publisher": null,
  "ris": "https://research.draconitic.com/paper/e8arwsn53xtex.ris",
  "sources": [
    {
      "first_seen": "2026-10-30T12:24:20Z",
      "native_id": "10.64898/2026.09.23.753568",
      "source": "biorxiv",
      "url": "https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.64898/2026.09.23.753568v1"
    }
  ],
  "subjects": [
    {
      "field": "biology",
      "origin": "biorxiv:bioengineering",
      "subfield": "systems-synthetic"
    }
  ],
  "title": "A nonlinear time-domain finite-element model of the human middle ear subjected to intense sound waves",
  "title_text": "A nonlinear time-domain finite-element model of the human middle ear subjected to intense sound waves",
  "type": "preprint",
  "updated_at": "2026-10-30T12:24:20Z",
  "url": "https://research.draconitic.com/paper/e8arwsn53xtex",
  "venue": "bioRxiv",
  "versions": []
}