Re: Cochlear travelling wave. An epiphenomenon? (Andrew Bell )


Subject: Re: Cochlear travelling wave. An epiphenomenon?
From:    Andrew Bell  <bellring(at)SMARTCHAT.NET.AU>
Date:    Fri, 30 Jun 2000 23:00:39 +1000

Dear Antony and List: I agree that there is more mathematical backing for the TW concept, but that's because coherent alternatives have just not existed! And it is worth while remembering that mathematical models are only as good as the physical insights they represent. As auditory scientists, we would do well not to let the TW theory become a dogma that permits no other hypothesis to be considered. My modeling has got to the point of being able to explain the shape of the partition's tuning curve, but it would be nice to do more elaborate modeling. I hope that additional mathematical analysis will be developed once the initial concepts have been clarified. Patience is needed, for it took many decades for sophisticated mathematical models of the TW to be developed after Bekesy's initial model was put forward. I am trained as a physicist, not a mathematical modeler, but if anyone out there has a particular interest in exploring the mathematical properties of a resonance theory of the cochlea, I would welcome their interest. Thankyou for your good wishes. Andrew Bell. -----Original Message----- From: AUDITORY Research in Auditory Perception [mailto:AUDITORY(at)LISTS.MCGILL.CA]On Behalf Of Antony Locke Sent: Thursday, 29 June 2000 8:39 To: AUDITORY(at)LISTS.MCGILL.CA Subject: Re: Cochlear travelling wave. An epiphenomenon? Dear Andrew Many thanks for your reply that attempted to address the most basic 'level of description' of energy flow within the cochlea; i.e. how stapes vibrational energy is transferred to the characteristic place. Many thanks also to Jont Allen's comments, all of which I agree with. In my opinion, the travelling wave model captures the qualitative and, to a large extent, quantitative features of the cochlear response to sound at this level of description. The model is based on established anatomical, physiological and mechanical observations within a rigorous mathematical framework. Any model that counters the travelling wave model must refer to the same observations and be developed within an equally valid mathematical framework. In conclusion, I reiterate Jont's suggestion: I look forward to reading about your model in a quality peer reviewed journal. Best wishes Antony Locke


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