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Reference.org
Tensor tympani muscle
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<p>The tensor tympani is a <a href="/facts/Muscle/dmxrL8pH">muscle</a> within the <a href="/facts/Middle_ear/H2A50utA">middle ear</a>, located in the bony canal above the bony part of the <a href="/facts/Eustachian_tube/CVvgVskU">auditory tube</a>, and connects to the <a href="/facts/Malleus/wBYj3Kb0">malleus</a> bone. Its role is to dampen loud sounds, such as those produced from <a href="/facts/Mastication/DdgB4W6f">chewing</a>, shouting, or <a href="/facts/Thunder/maTSnAY5">thunder</a>. Because its <a href="/facts/Reaction_time/K1SBWJ81">reaction time</a> is not fast enough, the muscle cannot protect against hearing damage caused by sudden loud sounds, like explosions or gunshots, however some individuals have voluntary control over the muscle, and may tense it pre-emptively. </p>