A sound signal is transmitted to the cochlea through vibration of the middle ear that induces a pressure difference across the cochlea’s elastic basilar membrane. In an alternative pathway for transmission, the basilar membrane can also be deflected by vibration of the cochlear bone, without participation of the middle ear. This second pathway, termed bone conduction, is increasingly used in co...

BACKGROUND Tensor tympani contraction may have a "signature" audiogram. This study demonstrates audiometric findings during voluntary tensor tympani contraction. METHODS Five volunteers possessing the ability to voluntarily contract their tensor tympani muscles were identified and enrolled. Tensor tympani contraction was confirmed with characteristic tympanometry findings. Study subjects unde...

Moosa, A., and Dubowitz, V. (1971). Archives of Disease in Childhood, 46, 852. Slow nerve conduction velocity in cretins. The ulnar and posterior tibial conduction velocities were measured in 6 untreated and 3 treated cretins. In 4 of the untreated patients, the conduction velocity of both nerves was slower than normal; in 1 patient the ulnar and in the other the posterior tibial nerve conducti...