Reconstruction of hearing by mechatronical devices

Normally the sound energy is transmitted from the ear drum to the oval window by the ossicular chain where the stapes footplate is exciting the perilymph fluid. The ossicles are elastically hinged in the tympanum by ligaments. The removal of a hearing defect often can be achieved by changing the mechanical properties of the ossicular chain or replacing some parts of it. Based on the multibody systems (MBS) approach discrete three-dimensional models are taken for the dynamical analysis of the ossicular chain as well as the active and the passive parts of the hearing prostheses. Dynamics of active implants depends on characteristics of the microphone, amplifier and remaining ossicles. First investigations show a high sensitivity on the mechanical parameters.