The eardrum acts as an elastic diaphragm .
The eardrum drives the chain of small bones of the middle ear system into motion. These bones transfer mechanical energy to the cochlea by way of the stapes footplate hammering against the oval window of the cochlea .
The eardrum acts as an elastic diaphragm and drives the chain of small bones of the middle ear system into motion. These bones transfer mechanical energy to the cochlea by way of the stapes footplate hammering against the oval window of the cochlea .