The roles of the external, middle, and inner ears in determining the bandwidth of hearing

Mario A. Ruggero*, Andrei N. Temchin

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

96 Scopus citations

Abstract

The view seems to prevail that the frequency range of hearing is determined by the properties of the outer and middle ears. We argue that this view is an oversimplification, in part because the reactive component of cochlear input impedance, which affects the low-frequency sensitivity of the cochlea, is neglected. Further, we use comparisons of audiograms and transfer functions for stapes (or columella) velocity or pressure in scala vestibuli near the stapes footplate to show that the middle ear by itself is not responsible for limiting high-frequency hearing in the few species for which such comparisons are possible. Finally, we propose that the tonotopic organization of the cochlea plays a crucial role in setting the frequency limits of cochlear sensitivity and hence in determining the bandwidth of hearing.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)13206-13210
Number of pages5
JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America
Volume99
Issue number20
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 1 2002

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General

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