Fractional-order modelling and simulation of human ear

Conventional integer-order lumped element models cannot fully describe the memory-dependent viscoelastic behaviour of bio-tissues. We propose a tunable and more predictive lumped element modelling of fractional-order sense for human ear, which is better adapted to the physical nature of the bio-materials. We develop a computational-mathematical framework for human ear to account for the power-law characteristics of viscoelastic bio-tissues. On the experiment side, we obtain impedance data and distortion product otoacoustic emissions data from several participants, to estimate the round-trip outer-middle ear gain, for parameter fitting and validation of the proposed model. This modelling approach provides a sound basis for data-driven modelling and simulation of the viscoelastic tissues of the human ear.Abbreviations: DPOAE: distortion product otoacoustic emission; FTF: forward transfer function; OMEG: round-trip outer-middle ear gain; RTF: reverse transfer function; TM: tympanic membrane