The amazing ear: what happens before the brainstem auditory evoked response.
The auditory mechanism is utilized by electroneurodiagnostic technologist to assess brainstem function for a variety of clinical purposes. Prior to the generation of the brainstem auditory evoked response (BAER) waveform, however a plethora of remarkable acoustical, mechanical, hydraulic, and electrical events occur at the outer ear; in the ear canal, in the middle ear cavity, and within the cochlea. This article will review and highlight the acoustic properties of the human ear the mechanical aspects of the middle ear the hydraulic events, and structural and electrical fine tuning of various aspects of the cochlear mechanism, as well as electrophysiological events generated by the ear.
Ryland
Mark G
MG
Cuyahoga Community College, Western Campus Parma, Ohio, USA.
D000818:Animals; D003051:Cochlea / Q000502:physiology; D004423:Ear / Q000502:physiology*; D016057:Evoked Potentials, Auditory, Brain Stem / Q000502:physiology*; D018072:Hair Cells, Auditory, Outer / Q000502:physiology; D006309:Hearing / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D013016:Sound