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Understanding middle-ear biomechanics under high-intensity sounds is also important for assessing potential auditory damage under adverse conditions. In this study, a finite-element (FE) model of the human middle ear plus the external ear canal is presented, employing a first-order Ogden hyperelastic material formulation and time-domain nonlinear analysis to capture nonlinear deformation of soft tissues and the resulting middle-ear response. The model was analyzed using pure-tone pressure excitations applied at the ear canal entrance over the 80 Hz to 8 kHz frequency range and 110 to 180 dB sound pressure levels (SPL). The ear canal pressure near the tympanic membrane (TM) and full-field three-dimensional response of the middle ear structures were examined. Across the investigated frequency range, the simulated middle-ear motion exhibited a transition from predominantly piston-like behavior at low frequencies, up to 1 kHz, to increasingly intricate multi-modal and multi-directional vibration patterns at higher frequencies. Nonlinear behaviors became increasingly significant at high frequencies and high stimulus levels, including compressive\/expansive pressure-displacement relationships, waveform distortions, and the emergence of non-harmonic spectral components. The model developed in this study provides a computational framework for studying nonlinear sound transmission through the middle ear and its implications for high-intensity acoustic exposure. The findings contribute to a better understanding of middle-ear mechanics under adverse conditions and support future investigations of acoustic trauma and hearing protection strategies.<\/jats:p>","DOI":"10.64898\/2026.09.23.753568","type":"posted-content","created":{"date-parts":[[2026,9,24]],"date-time":"2026-09-24T19:25:11Z","timestamp":1790277911000},"source":"Crossref","is-referenced-by-count":0,"title":["A nonlinear time-domain finite-element model of the human middle ear subjected to intense sound waves"],"prefix":"10.64898","author":[{"ORCID":"https:\/\/orcid.org\/0000-0002-9073-1004","authenticated-orcid":false,"given":"Hossein","family":"Mohammadi","sequence":"first","affiliation":[{"name":"Eaton-Peabody Laboratories, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, 243 Charles Street, Boston, MA 02114, United States"},{"name":"Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Harvard Medical School, 243 Charles Street, Boston, MA 02114, United 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