The master's thesis examines the development and analysis of a numerical model of the basilar membrane (BM) in the human inner ear, including the influence of the vestibular membrane (VM). Until now, experimental studies and numerical models of the BM have primarily simulated its response to vibrations resulting from the conversion of sound pressure into mechanical vibrations through the ossicular chain, often neglecting the influence of the VM. Although some models have already included the VM, the prevailing view in the literature has been that its effect on the BM is negligible and has not been systematically analysed. This thesis investigates the hypothesis that the VM significantly affects the BM response and should not be disregarded, as has been done in most accessible studies. The approach to validating this hypothesis is based on the need for a systematic analysis and proceeds in two steps: (1) validation of the basic BM model using experimental-theoretical data based on Greenwood's function, and (2) upgrading the model with the VM to identify its impact on the amplitude and distribution of BM deformations. The simulation results indicate that the VM significantly affects the amplitude of the BM response, while the position of the maximum deformation changes only slightly. This model contributes significantly to a better understanding of the interactions between the membranous structures of the inner ear and opens new perspectives for further research and the development of more precise auditory system models.
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