Article
Finite Element Simulation of the Occlusion Effect in the Ear Canal (en)
* Presenting author
Abstract:
When the ear canal is occluded by devices such as headphones or hearing aids, the auditory perception of bone conducted sounds is increased, which results, e.g., in an alteration of one’s own voice perception. The effect is caused by a motion of the skull that deforms the cartilage and bone to radiate sound into the ear canal.An anatomical finite element model of the outer ear is used to investigate details of the occlusion effect. The spatial distribution of the vibrations at the ear canal walls is analyzed for different types of excitation, and the sensitivity of simulation results is discussed by varying the material parameters as well as the boundary conditions at the tympanic membrane and at the ear canal entrance. These simulations provide insights into the influence of individual factors and of measures to reduce the occlusion effect, e.g., the equipment of devices with vents or apertures. Improving the knowledge on the occlusion effect may further benefit future algorithms.