What may occur due to aging in the middle ear?

Aging can lead to various physiological changes in the middle ear, one of the most significant being the stiffening of the tympanic membrane, also known as the eardrum. This stiffening results from a buildup of collagen in the connective tissues of the tympanic membrane and changes in its overall structure. As the tympanic membrane becomes less flexible, it may not vibrate as effectively in response to sound waves. This reduced vibration can lead to diminished sound transmission from the outer ear to the inner ear, potentially contributing to hearing loss.

In contrast, other options do not accurately reflect typical changes in the middle ear due to aging. The sound quality typically does not improve; hearing sensitivity generally decreases rather than enhances, and the risk of infections may actually increase rather than decrease owing to factors such as reduced immune response and changes in Eustachian tube function with age. Therefore, the stiffening of the tympanic membrane is the primary change that occurs in the aging middle ear, impacting hearing abilities.