The nature and causes of catarrhal, "throat", or hereditary deafness : an explanation of paracusis willisii the mechanism of aural accommodation, the regulation of labyrinthine fluid pressure, the tightening of relaxed tympanic membrances and joints, the relief of tinnitus aurium with the description of a new method of treatment and some illustrative cases / by Charles J. Heath.

  • Heath, Charles J. (Charles Joseph), 1856-1934
Date:
[1912]
Catalogue details

Licence: In copyright

Credit: The nature and causes of catarrhal, "throat", or hereditary deafness : an explanation of paracusis willisii the mechanism of aural accommodation, the regulation of labyrinthine fluid pressure, the tightening of relaxed tympanic membrances and joints, the relief of tinnitus aurium with the description of a new method of treatment and some illustrative cases / by Charles J. Heath. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    the position of the stirrup and oval window (and con- sequently of the tension of this, the only muscularly movable part of the labyrinthine capsule), which were brought about by the muscular action I had induced in the tympanic cavity of one ear of a paracutic, in reflex response to sounds acting directly on the other ear alone.6 I have also [Note 6.—Such a demonstration of the movement of the drum-head in consequence of muscular action, can be carried out thus: the surgeon who is the observer should examine this membrane (which must be a relaxed one in order that its movements shall be sufficiently pronounced to be easily visible to the naked eye) through a pneumatic speculum. The speculum should be made to fit the meatus closely, so that no ordinary sound waves can enter the ear under observation. When it is desired to observe the movement of the drum-head, an assistant is required, to hold and strike a small gong or bell near the other ear of the patient. This ear being exposed to the sound, its muscles are reflexly tightened as a natural action which is protective to the labyrinth, and the muscles of the ear under observation, accustomed to act with, those of its fellow, are also reflexly brought into action,* and in doing so, one of them, the tensor tympani, tightens the drum-head. The membrane appears to tighten at the same moment as the gong is struck, so rapid is the reflex. These muscles might be said to conform to “ Broadbent’s law,” if that law can legitimately be applied to a condition of health.] [* The pupils also act thus in harmony.]