The attenuation reflex amplifies loud noises. enhances low frequency sounds. prevents damage to delicate ear structures. vibrates the tympanic membrane. involves the scala vestibuli and the scala tympani.

The attenuation reflex prevents damage to delicate ear structures.

Explanation:

In attenuation reflex, the muscles of middle air contract involuntarily in response to loud sound in normal healthy auditory system. It also occur when a person start to vocalize.

The loud sound stimuli casues the contraction of tensor temponi and stapedius muscle of ossicles. The tensor temponi tighten the eardrum by stiffening the ossicular chain and stapedius pulls the stirrup away from oval window of cochlea. They make the chain of ossicles more rigid by contracting.

The attenuation reflex decreases the intensity of the loud sound transmitted to internal air by decreasing the vibrational energy to cochlea. Its response is more to lower frequencies than higher frequencies so that we can hear the voice in the place of loud sound.

But still the attenuation reflex does not provide complete protection from loud sounds such as sudden sound can damage cochlea because of delay in attenuation reflex.