Pole-zero modeling of the middle ear based on acoustic reflectance measurements

Fitting poles and zeros to complex acoustic reflectance (CAR) data using a "rational approximation method" (Gustavsen & Semlyen, 1999) allows for a precise parameterization of complex real-ear measurements. CAR is measured using a foam-tipped probe sealed in the ear canal, containing a microphone and receiver. From the complex pressure response to a broadband stimulus, the acoustic impedance and reflectance of the middle ear can be calculated as functions of frequency. The goal of this work is to establish a quantitative connection between the fitted polezero locations and underlying physical properties of the CAR and impedance of the middle ear. It was found that (1) the contribution of the ear canal may be approximated as the lossless all-pass component of the factored reflectance fit, (2) individual CAR magnitude variations for normal middle ears in the 1 to 4 kHz range give rise to closely-placed pole-zero pairs, and (3) properties of the pole-zero fit may differ between normal and pathological middle ears. Pole-zero fitting allows for concise characterization of individual CAR measurements, providing a foundation for modeling individual and pathological variations of middle ears.