A realizable cochlear model using feedback from motile outer hair cells.
A physically realizable form of a recent cochlear model using feedback forces from motile outer hair cells [Geisler (1991) Hear. Res. 54, 105-117] has been developed. The model was computer-simulated in the frequency domain (necessarily linear). Its responses to pure tones are very realistic in terms of sharpness (Q10s of 3-5) and in terms of tip-to-tail ratios (50-60 dB). These large tips are due to the feedback forces, which act as negative resistances (energy-supplying elements) over restricted spatial ranges. Nyquist-criterion analysis indicates that the model is stable. The spatial patterns of the model's output also bear qualitative resemblances to several other phenomena observed in cochleas, both living and excised.
Geisler
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Department of Neurophysiology, University of Wisconsin-Madison 53706.
D000161:Acoustic Stimulation; D000818:Animals; D001489:Basilar Membrane / Q000502:physiology; D002415:Cats; D003051:Cochlea / Q000502:physiology*; D003198:Computer Simulation; D005072:Evoked Potentials, Auditory; D005246:Feedback; D006168:Guinea Pigs; D018072:Hair Cells, Auditory, Outer / Q000502:physiology*; D008433:Mathematics; D008954:Models, Biological