Question

Paralysis of stapedius muscle (in middle ear) results in hyperacusis (increased sensitivity to sound) - what nerve is responsible?

Answer 1

The stapedius muscle is responsible for dampening sound vibrations in the middle ear. Paralysis of this muscle leads to hyperacusis. The facial nerve (cranial nerve VII) is responsible for innervating the stapedius muscle.

Step-by-step explanation:

The stapedius muscle in the middle ear is responsible for dampening the sound vibrations transmitted to the inner ear via the cochlea.

When the stapedius muscle is paralyzed, the sound sensitivity increases, leading to hyperacusis.

The nerve responsible for innervating the stapedius muscle is the facial nerve (cranial nerve VII).