What is a common effect of tympanic membrane stiffness?

A common effect of tympanic membrane stiffness is decreased hearing sensitivity. When the tympanic membrane, or eardrum, becomes stiff, it can impede its ability to vibrate in response to sound waves. This reduced vibration translates into less efficient sound transmission to the middle ear and inner ear structures, leading to a diminished ability to hear softer sounds or frequencies.

In conditions where stiffness occurs, such as in otosclerosis or with certain types of fluid buildup, the eardrum’s role in converting sound pressure waves into mechanical energy is compromised. Therefore, a person may experience hearing loss as a result of this stiffness, which directly affects their overall hearing sensitivity.

The other choices do not accurately reflect the implications of tympanic membrane stiffness. Increased sound clarity, heightened frequency perception, and unchanged hearing thresholds suggest improved hearing capabilities or no change, which would not occur with increased stiffness of the tympanic membrane.