Digital spectral analysis of the drill-bone acoustic interface during temporal bone dissection: a qualitative cadaveric pilot study.

Hypothesis: To qualitatively assess the different acoustic signatures of an otologic drill burr-bone interface during temporal bone dissection on full thickness calvarial and thin tegmen bone.

Background: An appreciable change in the sound generated by drilling occurs with progressive thinning of the bone during temporal bone dissection. To date, descriptions of this phenomenon are limited to a handful of subjective characterizations.