Novel Phonoreceptive Mechanism of the Cochlear for Low-frequency Sound

TL;DR

This paper introduces a new theoretical model of the cochlear that reveals a novel vibration mode, explaining previously unresolved experimental observations and suggesting a new hearing mechanism for low-frequency sounds.

Contribution

It develops a combined mathematical, biological, and numerical model of the cochlea that uncovers a new vibration mode, advancing understanding of cochlear mechanics beyond traditional theories.

Findings

Reproduces known travelling wave vibrations

Discovers a new vibration mode in the cochlea

Provides a theoretical explanation for previously unexplained experimental data

Abstract

Because the cochlear is very small and complex, vibration data of the whole basement membrane are not yet available from existing experiments, To address this question, this work technically adopts the mathematical and biological methods to establish a theoretical analytical model of the Spiral cochlear , combined with medical and modern light source imaging experimental data. In addition, a numerical model of a real human ear is also established. By performing numerous calculations, the results reproduce the known travelling wave vibration of basement membrane. Meanwhile, an exciting finding that revealing a new vibration mode is obtained. More importantly, this newly discovered model intrinsically explain many experimental observations that cannot be explained by travelling wave theory, which solves a long standing various queries to travelling wave vibration among researchers. These results not only complement vibration data that are inaccessible through experiments but also reveal a new hearing mechanism.