A linear transversely inhomogeneous cochlear model with sharp tuning

S. M. Novoselova

Zapiski Nauchnykh Seminarov POMI, Mathematical problems in the theory of wave propagation. Part 23, Tome 210 (1994), pp. 213-240

Résumé

A linear mechanism of sharp frequency selectivity in the inner ear is developed. Cochlea is supposed to a be slightly varying wave guide with inhomogeneous cross section. The tectorial membrane is considered as an additional mass, loading the narrow strip of the basilar membrane, underlying the rows of outer hair cells. Concentration of mass near the middle line of the cochlear partition provides sharpening of tuning without essential altering of the phase curve. Dissipation of energy is supposed to take place in the fluid boundary layer near the cochlear partition.The responses of the one and the same model with one and the same set of input parameters are compared with different experimental data, obtained during the last decade, in the beginning and in the end of the cochlea simulteneously. The paper demonstrates, that system like cochlea is capable to perform linear frequency analysis, without adding any outside energy to the waveform that has to be analysed. Bibliography: 21 titles.