Fig. 1.

a Schematic diagram explaining the position of the tip of the transducer for RW application in a left ear (schematic diagram provided by Otologics LLC). b 1.0-mm-diameter AMEI tip after final positioning onto the RW niche in a left ear. Note that the RW membrane itself is fully hidden by the AMEI ball tip, precluding visual confirmation that the AMEI tip is in contact with the membrane. CT = Chorda tympani; FN = facial nerve. c 0.5-mm-diameter AMEI tip after final positioning onto the RW niche in a left ear. With the 0.5-mm ball tip, some part of the RW membrane (RWM) remains visible, allowing confirmation of the direct placement of the tip onto the membrane. The reflective mirror is on the posterior crus of the stapes.