Experiments on the Pellet-Type of Artificial Drum

Abstract

The pellet-type of artificial drum, if placed on the stapes under slight pressure, improves hearing throughout the practical hearing range, especially for high tones. This is of importance for the understanding of speech. The mechanism of action seems to be composed of two effects: screening and increased stiffness of the vibrating system. Under these circumstances bone conduction remains virtually unchanged. Increased mass of the vibrating system produces low-tone improvement and (in absence of the screening effect) high-tone loss. This phenomenon can be demonstrated by weighting the system with a drop of Hg.