stapedial reflex

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The stapedius muscle contracts in response to sound, causing a stiffening of the ossicular chain. The increase in stiffness may be detected by measuring the resistance of the ossicular chain to sound transmission.

The stapedial reflex is absent in:

otosclerosis
scarring of the middle ear from otitis media

Last reviewed 01/2018

Links:

stapedius muscle (anatomy)
otosclerosis
otitis media