Abstract
Tympanic membrane (TM) rupture due to overpressure results from a slap in the face and sports such as diving. The level of overpressure that causes TM rupture and the location of the rupture have been estimated in various animals under various experimental conditions. However, the process of TM rupture due to dynamic pressure has not been observed. In this study, the process of TM rupture in the guinea pig caused by a shock wave was recorded using a high-speed video system, and the time history of the pressure was simultaneously measured by a pressure gauge. Based on our findings, the reason for the existence of different TM rupture mechanisms, and the relationship between the rupture process and the peak pressure are here in discussed.
