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A model describing nonlinearities in hearing by active processes with saturation at 40 dB.
Biological Cybernetics
|December 1, 1979
Summary
The peripheral hearing system exhibits nonlinearities, with 40 dB marking a critical dynamic range. Outer hair cells likely amplify sound, impacting inner hair cell sensitivity and explaining auditory phenomena.
Area of Science:
- Auditory Neuroscience
- Psychoacoustics
- Nonlinear Acoustics
Background:
- The peripheral auditory system displays complex nonlinear behaviors.
- Understanding these nonlinearities is crucial for explaining auditory perception and dysfunction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize existing literature and present new data on peripheral hearing nonlinearities.
- To identify a key parameter defining distinct characteristics within the auditory system's dynamic range.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of nonlinearities in the peripheral auditory system.
- Experimental measurements of acoustical responses, masking, cubic difference tones, and Zwicker tones.
Main Results:
- A 40 dB level was identified as a significant threshold.
- This 40 dB value delineates two distinct functional ranges in both neurophysiology and psychoacoustics.
- Data qualitatively support a model of outer hair cell amplification with saturation.
Conclusions:
- The 40 dB dynamic range is a critical factor in peripheral auditory processing.
- A preliminary model suggests outer hair cells act as a saturating amplifier, influencing inner hair cell function.
- This framework helps explain observed auditory phenomena.