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Cochlear function: hearing in the fast lane
1Department of Physiology, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, UK. j.ashmore@ucl.ac.uk
Current Biology : CB
|September 2, 1999
Summary
Outer hair cells in the cochlea mechanically amplify sound. New research indicates these cells operate rapidly enough to support hearing across the entire auditory frequency range.
Area of Science:
- Auditory Neuroscience
- Bioacoustics
- Cellular Mechanics
Background:
- The cochlea amplifies sound across a broad frequency spectrum.
- Outer hair cells are hypothesized to contribute mechanically to this amplification.
- The temporal response of outer hair cells has been a key question in auditory physiology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the speed and frequency range of outer hair cell function.
- To determine if outer hair cells can operate rapidly enough for auditory amplification.
Main Methods:
- Electrophysiological recordings from outer hair cells.
- Analysis of cellular mechanical responses.
- Frequency-domain analysis of cellular activity.
Main Results:
- Outer hair cells exhibit rapid mechanical responses.
- These responses occur across a wide range of frequencies relevant to hearing.
- Evidence supports a significant role for outer hair cells in cochlear amplification.
Conclusions:
- Outer hair cells possess the necessary speed to contribute to cochlear amplification.
- These findings resolve a long-standing question about the mechanical role of outer hair cells.
- The mechanical properties of outer hair cells are crucial for normal auditory function.