A model cochlear partition involving longitudinal elasticity

This paper addresses the issue of longitudinal stiffness within the cochlea. A one-dimensional model of the cochlear partition is presented in which the resonant sections are coupled by longitudinal elastic elements. These elements functionally represent the aggregate mechanical effect of the connec...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inThe Journal of the Acoustical Society of America Vol. 112; no. 2; p. 576
Main Authors Jaffer, Taha S A, Kunov, Hans, Wong, Willy
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published United States 01.08.2002
Subjects
Basilar Membrane - physiology
Biomechanical Phenomena
Cochlea - physiology
Elasticity
Humans
Nonlinear Dynamics
Organ of Corti - physiology
Otoacoustic Emissions, Spontaneous - physiology
Reference Values
Reticulin - physiology
Sound Spectrography
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Summary:This paper addresses the issue of longitudinal stiffness within the cochlea. A one-dimensional model of the cochlear partition is presented in which the resonant sections are coupled by longitudinal elastic elements. These elements functionally represent the aggregate mechanical effect of the connective tissue that spans the length of the organ of Corti. With the plate-like morphology of the cochlear partition in mind, the contribution of longitudinal elasticity to partition dynamics is appreciable, though weak and nonlinear. If the elasticity is considered Hookian then the nonlinearity takes a cubic form. Numerical solutions are presented that demonstrate the compressive nature of the partial differential nonlinear equations and their ability to produce realistic cubic distortion product otoacoustic emissions. Within the framework of this model, some speculations can be made regarding the dynamical function of the phalangeal processes, the sharpness of active cochlear mechanics, and the propogation of pathology along the partition.
ISSN:0001-4966
DOI:10.1121/1.1496078