title: Vocalization-induced stapedius contraction.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To present a case of a patient with visible stapedius contraction on vocalization and to discuss the related literature.
  
  
  METHODS
  A 51 year-old woman with a Type III myringostapediopexy due to chronic suppurative otitis media and an incidental finding of voice-induced movement of the stapes head.
  
  
  METHODS
  Otoendoscopy, pure tone and impedance audiometry, and modified stapedius reflex decay.
  
  
  METHODS
  Stapes head movement on otoendoscopy.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Stapes head movement was seen endoscopically on vocalization but not on tympanometric measures.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Visible stapedius contraction with vocalization is an uncommon phenomenon. Our understanding of the nonauditory pathways to stapedius is limited and requires further research.
authors.affiliation: *Division of Otolaryngology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada †Derriford Hospital, Plymouth, Devon, U.K.; ‡Division of Otolaryngology, Dalhousie University, Halifax; and §Nova Scotia Hearing and Speech Centers, Dalhousie University, Nova Scotia, Canada.
authors.forename: James W
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Rainsbury
authors.forename: Margaret
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Aron
authors.forename: Duncan
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Floyd
authors.forename: Manohar
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bance
mesh_terms: D000158:Acoustic Impedance Tests; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009119:Muscle Contraction / Q000502:physiology*; D009225:Myringoplasty; D010035:Otitis Media, Suppurative / Q000601:surgery; D013060:Speech / Q000502:physiology*; D013198:Stapedius / Q000502:physiology*; D013199:Stapes / Q000502:physiology*