Molding the asymmetry of localized frequency-locking waves by a generalized forcing and implications to the inner ear

TL;DR

This paper investigates how different types of external forcing influence the asymmetry and shape of localized traveling waves in the inner ear, revealing the importance of parametric forcing in auditory frequency discrimination.

Contribution

It introduces an amplitude equation model showing how additive and parametric forcing alter wave asymmetry, providing insights into inner ear response mechanisms.

Findings

Stronger parametric forcing increases wave asymmetry.

The model captures linear and nonlinear response regions.

Parametric forcing significantly shapes the inner ear's resonant response.

Abstract

Frequency locking to an external forcing frequency is a {well} known phenomenon. In the auditory system, it results in a localized traveling wave, the shape of which is essential for efficient discrimination between incoming frequencies. An amplitude equation approach is used to show that the shape of the localized traveling wave depends crucially on the relative strength of additive vs. parametric forcing components; the stronger the parametric forcing the more asymmetric the response profile and the sharper the traveling-wave front. The analysis captures the empirically observed regions of linear and nonlinear responses and highlights the significance of parametric forcing mechanisms in shaping the resonant response in the inner ear.