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A symmetry suppresses the cochlear catastrophe.

C A Shera¹, G Zweig

¹Hearing Research Laboratory, Signition, Inc., Los Alamos, New Mexico 87544.

The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America

|March 1, 1991

Summary

The cochlear input impedance phase is small, indicating a slow change in pressure wave wavelength. This ensures efficient low-frequency energy transfer between the middle and inner ears by minimizing wave reflection.

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Area of Science:

Auditory Neuroscience
Bioacoustics
Biophysics

Background:

Empirical measurements show a small phase for cochlear input impedance.
Efficient low-frequency energy transfer between middle and inner ear is crucial for hearing.

Purpose of the Study:

To explain the empirical finding of small cochlear input impedance phase.
To investigate the implications for cochlear mechanics and energy transfer.

Main Methods:

Analysis of cochlear transmission line properties.
Relating impedance (Z) and admittance (Y) to physical structures.
Comparing models with and without symmetry between Z and Y.

Main Results:

A small impedance phase implies a slowly varying wavelength in the cochlea.
This slow variation necessitates opposite tapering of the basilar membrane and cochlear scalae.
Symmetry between Z and Y is necessary and sufficient for a small impedance phase.

Conclusions:

The observed impedance phase is explained by specific tapering of cochlear structures.
Models lacking Z-Y symmetry predict a 'cochlear catastrophe,' contradicting measurements.
The findings support models that maintain symmetry for efficient auditory function.

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