Search

© The Author(s), 2021. This article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License. The definitive version was published in Ketten, D. R., Simmons, J. A., Riquimaroux, H., & Simmons, A. M. Functional analyses of peripheral auditory system adaptations for echolocation in air vs. water. Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution, 09, (2021): 661216, https://doi.org/10.3389/fevo.2021.661216., The similarity of acoustic tasks performed by odontocete (toothed whale) and microchiropteran (insectivorous bat) biosonar suggests they may have common ultrasonic signal reception and processing mechanisms. However, there are also significant media and prey dependent differences, notably speed of sound and wavelengths in air vs. water, that may be reflected in adaptations in their auditory systems and peak spectra of out-going signals for similarly sized prey. We examined the anatomy of the peripheral auditory system of two species of FM bat (big brown bat Eptesicus fuscus; Japanese house bat Pipistrellus abramus) and two toothed whales (harbor porpoise Phocoena phocoena; bottlenose dolphin Tursiops truncatus) using ultra high resolution (11–100 micron) isotropic voxel computed tomography (helical and microCT). Significant differences were found for oval and round window location, cochlear length, basilar membrane gradients, neural distributions, cochlear spiral morphometry and curvature, and basilar membrane suspension distributions. Length correlates with body mass, not hearing ranges. High and low frequency hearing range cut-offs correlate with basilar membrane thickness/width ratios and the cochlear radius of curvature. These features are predictive of high and low frequency hearing limits in all ears examined. The ears of the harbor porpoise, the highest frequency echolocator in the study, had significantly greater stiffness, higher basal basilar membrane ratios, and bilateral bony support for 60% of the basilar membrane length. The porpoise’s basilar membrane includes a “foveal” region with “stretched” frequency representation and relatively constant membrane thickness/width ratio values similar to those reported for some bat species. Both species of bats and the harbor porpoise displayed unusual stapedial input locations and low ratios of cochlear radii, specializations that may enhance higher ultrasonic frequency signal resolution and deter low frequency co, MicroCT scanning, data analyses, and manuscript preparation were assisted by funding to DK from the Joint Industry Program (contract JIP22 III-16-08 – 55205300) and fellowships from the Hanse-Wissenschaftskolleg ICBM Fellowship and the Helmholtz International Fellow research programs. Big brown bat data collection and analysis were supported by an Office of Naval Research grant N00014-14-1-05880 to JS and an Office of Naval Research MURI grant N00014-17-1-2736 to JS and AS. Specimen collection, histology processing, and helical scanning related to the data reported in this study were supported through multiple grants and contracts since 2010 to DK from NIH, N45/LMRS-United States Navy Environmental Division (EnvDiv), Office of Naval Research, and ONR Global.

© The Author(s), 2021. This article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License. The definitive version was published in Ketten, D. R., Simmons, J. A., Riquimaroux, H., & Simmons, A. M. Functional analyses of peripheral auditory system adaptations for echolocation in air vs. water. Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution, 09, (2021): 661216, https://doi.org/10.3389/fevo.2021.661216., The similarity of acoustic tasks performed by odontocete (toothed whale) and microchiropteran (insectivorous bat) biosonar suggests they may have common ultrasonic signal reception and processing mechanisms. However, there are also significant media and prey dependent differences, notably speed of sound and wavelengths in air vs. water, that may be reflected in adaptations in their auditory systems and peak spectra of out-going signals for similarly sized prey. We examined the anatomy of the peripheral auditory system of two species of FM bat (big brown bat Eptesicus fuscus; Japanese house bat Pipistrellus abramus) and two toothed whales (harbor porpoise Phocoena phocoena; bottlenose dolphin Tursiops truncatus) using ultra high resolution (11–100 micron) isotropic voxel computed tomography (helical and microCT). Significant differences were found for oval and round window location, cochlear length, basilar membrane gradients, neural distributions, cochlear spiral morphometry and curvature, and basilar membrane suspension distributions. Length correlates with body mass, not hearing ranges. High and low frequency hearing range cut-offs correlate with basilar membrane thickness/width ratios and the cochlear radius of curvature. These features are predictive of high and low frequency hearing limits in all ears examined. The ears of the harbor porpoise, the highest frequency echolocator in the study, had significantly greater stiffness, higher basal basilar membrane ratios, and bilateral bony support for 60% of the basilar membrane length. The porpoise’s basilar membrane includes a “foveal” region with “stretched” frequency representation and relatively constant membrane thickness/width ratio values similar to those reported for some bat species. Both species of bats and the harbor porpoise displayed unusual stapedial input locations and low ratios of cochlear radii, specializations that may enhance higher ultrasonic frequency signal resolution and deter low frequency co, MicroCT scanning, data analyses, and manuscript preparation were assisted by funding to DK from the Joint Industry Program (contract JIP22 III-16-08 – 55205300) and fellowships from the Hanse-Wissenschaftskolleg ICBM Fellowship and the Helmholtz International Fellow research programs. Big brown bat data collection and analysis were supported by an Office of Naval Research grant N00014-14-1-05880 to JS and an Office of Naval Research MURI grant N00014-17-1-2736 to JS and AS. Specimen collection, histology processing, and helical scanning related to the data reported in this study were supported through multiple grants and contracts since 2010 to DK from NIH, N45/LMRS-United States Navy Environmental Division (EnvDiv), Office of Naval Research, and ONR Global.

Hypothesis: Measuring the length of the basilar membrane (BM) in the cochlear hook region will result in improved accuracy of cochlear duct length (CDL) measurements. Background: Cochlear implant pitch mapping is generally performed in a patient independent approach, which has been shown to result in place-pitch mismatches. In order to customize cochlear implant pitch maps, accurate CDL measurements must be obtained. CDL measurements generally begin at the center of the round window (RW) and ignore the basal-most portion of the BM in the hook region. Measuring the size and morphology of the BM in the hook region can improve CDL measurements and our understanding of cochlear tonotopy. Methods: Ten cadaveric human cochleae underwent synchrotron radiation phase-contrast imaging. The length of the BM through the hook region and CDL were measured. Two different CDL measurements were obtained for each sample, with starting points at the center of the RW (CDLRW) and the basal-most tip of the BM (CDLHR). Regression analysis was performed to relate CDLRW to CDLHR. A three-dimensional polynomial model was determined to describe the average BM hook region morphology. Results: The mean CDLRW value was 33.03 ± 1.62 mm, and the mean CDLHR value was 34.68 ± 1.72 mm. The following relationship was determined between CDLRW and CDLHR: CDLHR = 1.06(CDLRW)-0.26 (R2 = 0.99). Conclusion: The length and morphology of the hook region was determined. Current measurements underestimate CDL in the hook region and can be corrected using the results herein.

Background: Despite significant anatomical variation amongst patients, cochlear implant frequency-mapping has traditionally followed a patient-independent approach. Basilar membrane (BM) length is required for patient-specific frequency-mapping, however cochlear duct length (CDL) measurements generally extend to the apical tip of the entire cochlea or have no clearly defined end-point. By characterizing the length between the end of the BM and the apical tip of the entire cochlea (helicotrema length), current CDL models can be corrected to obtain the appropriate BM length. Synchrotron radiation phase-contrast imaging has made this analysis possible due to the soft-tissue contrast through the entire cochlear apex. Methods: Helicotrema linear length and helicotrema angular length measurements were performed on synchrotron radiation phase-contrast imaging data of 14 cadaveric human cochleae. On a sub-set of six samples, the CDL to the apical tip of the entire cochlea (CDLTIP) and the BM length (CDLBM) were determined. Regression analysis was performed to assess the relationship between CDLTIP and CDLBM. Results: The mean helicotrema linear length and helicotrema angular length values were 1.6 +/- 0.9 mm and 67.8 +/- 37.9 degrees, respectively. Regression analysis revealed the following relationship between CDLTIP and CDLBM: CDLBM = 0.88(CDLTIP) + 3.71 (R-2 = 0.995). Conclusion: This is the first known study to characterize the length of the helicotrema in the context of CDL measurements. It was determined that the distance between the end of the BM and the tip of the entire cochlea is clinically consequential. A relationship was determined that can predict the BM length of an individual patient based on their respective CDL measured to the apical tip of the cochlea.

Background: Despite significant anatomical variation amongst patients, cochlear implant frequency-mapping has traditionally followed a patient-independent approach. Basilar membrane (BM) length is required for patient-specific frequency-mapping, however cochlear duct length (CDL) measurements generally extend to the apical tip of the entire cochlea or have no clearly defined end-point. By characterizing the length between the end of the BM and the apical tip of the entire cochlea (helicotrema length), current CDL models can be corrected to obtain the appropriate BM length. Synchrotron radiation phase-contrast imaging has made this analysis possible due to the soft-tissue contrast through the entire cochlear apex. Methods: Helicotrema linear length and helicotrema angular length measurements were performed on synchrotron radiation phase-contrast imaging data of 14 cadaveric human cochleae. On a sub-set of six samples, the CDL to the apical tip of the entire cochlea (CDLTIP) and the BM length (CDLBM) were determined. Regression analysis was performed to assess the relationship between CDLTIP and CDLBM. Results: The mean helicotrema linear length and helicotrema angular length values were 1.6 +/- 0.9 mm and 67.8 +/- 37.9 degrees, respectively. Regression analysis revealed the following relationship between CDLTIP and CDLBM: CDLBM = 0.88(CDLTIP) + 3.71 (R-2 = 0.995). Conclusion: This is the first known study to characterize the length of the helicotrema in the context of CDL measurements. It was determined that the distance between the end of the BM and the tip of the entire cochlea is clinically consequential. A relationship was determined that can predict the BM length of an individual patient based on their respective CDL measured to the apical tip of the cochlea.

Background: Despite significant anatomical variation amongst patients, cochlear implant frequency-mapping has traditionally followed a patient-independent approach. Basilar membrane (BM) length is required for patient-specific frequency-mapping, however cochlear duct length (CDL) measurements generally extend to the apical tip of the entire cochlea or have no clearly defined end-point. By characterizing the length between the end of the BM and the apical tip of the entire cochlea (helicotrema length), current CDL models can be corrected to obtain the appropriate BM length. Synchrotron radiation phase-contrast imaging has made this analysis possible due to the soft-tissue contrast through the entire cochlear apex. Methods: Helicotrema linear length and helicotrema angular length measurements were performed on synchrotron radiation phase-contrast imaging data of 14 cadaveric human cochleae. On a sub-set of six samples, the CDL to the apical tip of the entire cochlea (CDLTIP) and the BM length (CDLBM) were determined. Regression analysis was performed to assess the relationship between CDLTIP and CDLBM. Results: The mean helicotrema linear length and helicotrema angular length values were 1.6 +/- 0.9 mm and 67.8 +/- 37.9 degrees, respectively. Regression analysis revealed the following relationship between CDLTIP and CDLBM: CDLBM = 0.88(CDLTIP) + 3.71 (R-2 = 0.995). Conclusion: This is the first known study to characterize the length of the helicotrema in the context of CDL measurements. It was determined that the distance between the end of the BM and the tip of the entire cochlea is clinically consequential. A relationship was determined that can predict the BM length of an individual patient based on their respective CDL measured to the apical tip of the cochlea.

Background: Despite significant anatomical variation amongst patients, cochlear implant frequency-mapping has traditionally followed a patient-independent approach. Basilar membrane (BM) length is required for patient-specific frequency-mapping, however cochlear duct length (CDL) measurements generally extend to the apical tip of the entire cochlea or have no clearly defined end-point. By characterizing the length between the end of the BM and the apical tip of the entire cochlea (helicotrema length), current CDL models can be corrected to obtain the appropriate BM length. Synchrotron radiation phase-contrast imaging has made this analysis possible due to the soft-tissue contrast through the entire cochlear apex. Methods: Helicotrema linear length and helicotrema angular length measurements were performed on synchrotron radiation phase-contrast imaging data of 14 cadaveric human cochleae. On a sub-set of six samples, the CDL to the apical tip of the entire cochlea (CDLTIP) and the BM length (CDLBM) were determined. Regression analysis was performed to assess the relationship between CDLTIP and CDLBM. Results: The mean helicotrema linear length and helicotrema angular length values were 1.6 +/- 0.9 mm and 67.8 +/- 37.9 degrees, respectively. Regression analysis revealed the following relationship between CDLTIP and CDLBM: CDLBM = 0.88(CDLTIP) + 3.71 (R-2 = 0.995). Conclusion: This is the first known study to characterize the length of the helicotrema in the context of CDL measurements. It was determined that the distance between the end of the BM and the tip of the entire cochlea is clinically consequential. A relationship was determined that can predict the BM length of an individual patient based on their respective CDL measured to the apical tip of the cochlea.

Background: Despite significant anatomical variation amongst patients, cochlear implant frequency-mapping has traditionally followed a patient-independent approach. Basilar membrane (BM) length is required for patient-specific frequency-mapping, however cochlear duct length (CDL) measurements generally extend to the apical tip of the entire cochlea or have no clearly defined end-point. By characterizing the length between the end of the BM and the apical tip of the entire cochlea (helicotrema length), current CDL models can be corrected to obtain the appropriate BM length. Synchrotron radiation phase-contrast imaging has made this analysis possible due to the soft-tissue contrast through the entire cochlear apex. Methods: Helicotrema linear length and helicotrema angular length measurements were performed on synchrotron radiation phase-contrast imaging data of 14 cadaveric human cochleae. On a sub-set of six samples, the CDL to the apical tip of the entire cochlea (CDLTIP) and the BM length (CDLBM) were determined. Regression analysis was performed to assess the relationship between CDLTIP and CDLBM. Results: The mean helicotrema linear length and helicotrema angular length values were 1.6 +/- 0.9 mm and 67.8 +/- 37.9 degrees, respectively. Regression analysis revealed the following relationship between CDLTIP and CDLBM: CDLBM = 0.88(CDLTIP) + 3.71 (R-2 = 0.995). Conclusion: This is the first known study to characterize the length of the helicotrema in the context of CDL measurements. It was determined that the distance between the end of the BM and the tip of the entire cochlea is clinically consequential. A relationship was determined that can predict the BM length of an individual patient based on their respective CDL measured to the apical tip of the cochlea.

Background: Despite significant anatomical variation amongst patients, cochlear implant frequency-mapping has traditionally followed a patient-independent approach. Basilar membrane (BM) length is required for patient-specific frequency-mapping, however cochlear duct length (CDL) measurements generally extend to the apical tip of the entire cochlea or have no clearly defined end-point. By characterizing the length between the end of the BM and the apical tip of the entire cochlea (helicotrema length), current CDL models can be corrected to obtain the appropriate BM length. Synchrotron radiation phase-contrast imaging has made this analysis possible due to the soft-tissue contrast through the entire cochlear apex. Methods: Helicotrema linear length and helicotrema angular length measurements were performed on synchrotron radiation phase-contrast imaging data of 14 cadaveric human cochleae. On a sub-set of six samples, the CDL to the apical tip of the entire cochlea (CDLTIP) and the BM length (CDLBM) were determined. Regression analysis was performed to assess the relationship between CDLTIP and CDLBM. Results: The mean helicotrema linear length and helicotrema angular length values were 1.6 +/- 0.9 mm and 67.8 +/- 37.9 degrees, respectively. Regression analysis revealed the following relationship between CDLTIP and CDLBM: CDLBM = 0.88(CDLTIP) + 3.71 (R-2 = 0.995). Conclusion: This is the first known study to characterize the length of the helicotrema in the context of CDL measurements. It was determined that the distance between the end of the BM and the tip of the entire cochlea is clinically consequential. A relationship was determined that can predict the BM length of an individual patient based on their respective CDL measured to the apical tip of the cochlea.

Objective: We used synchrotron radiation phase contrast imaging (SR-PCI) to study the 3D microanatomy of the basilar membrane (BM) and its attachment to the spiral ligament (SL) (with a conceivable secondary spiral lamina [SSL] or secondary spiral plate) at the round window membrane (RWM) in the human cochlea. The conception of this complex anatomy may be essential for accomplishing structural preservation at cochlear implant surgery. Material and methods: Sixteen freshly fixed human temporal bones were used to reproduce the BM, SL, primary and secondary osseous spiral laminae (OSL), and RWM using volume-rendering software. Confocal microscopy immunohistochemistry (IHC) was performed to analyze the molecular constituents. Results: SR-PCI reproduced the soft tissues including the RWM, Reissner's membrane (RM), and the BM attachment to the lateral wall (LW) in three dimensions. A variable SR-PCI contrast enhancement was recognized in the caudal part of the SL facing the scala tympani (ST). It seemed to represent a SSL allied to the basilar crest (BC). The SSL extended along the postero-superior margin of the round window (RW) and immunohistochemically expressed type II collagen. Conclusions: Unlike in several mammalian species, the human SSL is restricted to the most basal portion of the cochlea around the RW. It anchors the BM and may influence its hydro-mechanical properties. It could also help to shield the BM from the RW. The microanatomy should be considered at cochlear implant surgery.

Objective: We used synchrotron radiation phase contrast imaging (SR-PCI) to study the 3D microanatomy of the basilar membrane (BM) and its attachment to the spiral ligament (SL) (with a conceivable secondary spiral lamina [SSL] or secondary spiral plate) at the round window membrane (RWM) in the human cochlea. The conception of this complex anatomy may be essential for accomplishing structural preservation at cochlear implant surgery. Material and methods: Sixteen freshly fixed human temporal bones were used to reproduce the BM, SL, primary and secondary osseous spiral laminae (OSL), and RWM using volume-rendering software. Confocal microscopy immunohistochemistry (IHC) was performed to analyze the molecular constituents. Results: SR-PCI reproduced the soft tissues including the RWM, Reissner's membrane (RM), and the BM attachment to the lateral wall (LW) in three dimensions. A variable SR-PCI contrast enhancement was recognized in the caudal part of the SL facing the scala tympani (ST). It seemed to represent a SSL allied to the basilar crest (BC). The SSL extended along the postero-superior margin of the round window (RW) and immunohistochemically expressed type II collagen. Conclusions: Unlike in several mammalian species, the human SSL is restricted to the most basal portion of the cochlea around the RW. It anchors the BM and may influence its hydro-mechanical properties. It could also help to shield the BM from the RW. The microanatomy should be considered at cochlear implant surgery.

Objective: We used synchrotron radiation phase contrast imaging (SR-PCI) to study the 3D microanatomy of the basilar membrane (BM) and its attachment to the spiral ligament (SL) (with a conceivable secondary spiral lamina [SSL] or secondary spiral plate) at the round window membrane (RWM) in the human cochlea. The conception of this complex anatomy may be essential for accomplishing structural preservation at cochlear implant surgery. Material and methods: Sixteen freshly fixed human temporal bones were used to reproduce the BM, SL, primary and secondary osseous spiral laminae (OSL), and RWM using volume-rendering software. Confocal microscopy immunohistochemistry (IHC) was performed to analyze the molecular constituents. Results: SR-PCI reproduced the soft tissues including the RWM, Reissner's membrane (RM), and the BM attachment to the lateral wall (LW) in three dimensions. A variable SR-PCI contrast enhancement was recognized in the caudal part of the SL facing the scala tympani (ST). It seemed to represent a SSL allied to the basilar crest (BC). The SSL extended along the postero-superior margin of the round window (RW) and immunohistochemically expressed type II collagen. Conclusions: Unlike in several mammalian species, the human SSL is restricted to the most basal portion of the cochlea around the RW. It anchors the BM and may influence its hydro-mechanical properties. It could also help to shield the BM from the RW. The microanatomy should be considered at cochlear implant surgery.

Objective: We used synchrotron radiation phase contrast imaging (SR-PCI) to study the 3D microanatomy of the basilar membrane (BM) and its attachment to the spiral ligament (SL) (with a conceivable secondary spiral lamina [SSL] or secondary spiral plate) at the round window membrane (RWM) in the human cochlea. The conception of this complex anatomy may be essential for accomplishing structural preservation at cochlear implant surgery. Material and methods: Sixteen freshly fixed human temporal bones were used to reproduce the BM, SL, primary and secondary osseous spiral laminae (OSL), and RWM using volume-rendering software. Confocal microscopy immunohistochemistry (IHC) was performed to analyze the molecular constituents. Results: SR-PCI reproduced the soft tissues including the RWM, Reissner's membrane (RM), and the BM attachment to the lateral wall (LW) in three dimensions. A variable SR-PCI contrast enhancement was recognized in the caudal part of the SL facing the scala tympani (ST). It seemed to represent a SSL allied to the basilar crest (BC). The SSL extended along the postero-superior margin of the round window (RW) and immunohistochemically expressed type II collagen. Conclusions: Unlike in several mammalian species, the human SSL is restricted to the most basal portion of the cochlea around the RW. It anchors the BM and may influence its hydro-mechanical properties. It could also help to shield the BM from the RW. The microanatomy should be considered at cochlear implant surgery.

Objective: We used synchrotron radiation phase contrast imaging (SR-PCI) to study the 3D microanatomy of the basilar membrane (BM) and its attachment to the spiral ligament (SL) (with a conceivable secondary spiral lamina [SSL] or secondary spiral plate) at the round window membrane (RWM) in the human cochlea. The conception of this complex anatomy may be essential for accomplishing structural preservation at cochlear implant surgery. Material and methods: Sixteen freshly fixed human temporal bones were used to reproduce the BM, SL, primary and secondary osseous spiral laminae (OSL), and RWM using volume-rendering software. Confocal microscopy immunohistochemistry (IHC) was performed to analyze the molecular constituents. Results: SR-PCI reproduced the soft tissues including the RWM, Reissner's membrane (RM), and the BM attachment to the lateral wall (LW) in three dimensions. A variable SR-PCI contrast enhancement was recognized in the caudal part of the SL facing the scala tympani (ST). It seemed to represent a SSL allied to the basilar crest (BC). The SSL extended along the postero-superior margin of the round window (RW) and immunohistochemically expressed type II collagen. Conclusions: Unlike in several mammalian species, the human SSL is restricted to the most basal portion of the cochlea around the RW. It anchors the BM and may influence its hydro-mechanical properties. It could also help to shield the BM from the RW. The microanatomy should be considered at cochlear implant surgery.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Rochester. Department of Mechanical Engineering, 2016., The mammalian cochlea is the snail-shaped, fluid-filled hearing organ that encodes sound into frequency components and converts sound signal to neural or electrochemical signals. The cochlea not only passively detects and analyzes sound, but also actively modulates the responses based on the frequency and intensity of the sound signal. The cochlea has two remarkable features: sharp frequency tuning and high sensitivity. These remarkable features of the cochlea can be mainly attributed to a sensory epithelium, called the organ of Corti, which spans the length of cochlea. The graded stiffness of the organ of Corti along the cochlear length underlies the frequency-location relation of the mammalian cochlea. The somatic motility of the outer hair cell is central for cochlear amplification. It is believed that outer hair cell somatic motility generates forces and injects power into the organ of Corti to amplify its vibrations. Even though the organ of Corti stiffness varies two to three orders of magnitude along the cochlear length, the force capacity of outer hair cell somatic motility is nearly constant. It is puzzling how actuators with a constant force capacity can operate under such a wide stiffness range. Further, the amplification of sound provided by outer hair cell electromotility is dependent on location, such that high-frequency sounds encoded in the basal cochlea are amplified more than low-frequency sounds encoded in the apical cochlea. However, there is so far no detailed and convincing explanation for this location-dependent cochlear amplification. To understand these questions, the hypothesis in this current study is that the organ of Corti location-dependent micromechanics set up favorable mechanical conditions for amplification. These mechanical conditions allow the outer hair cell’s somatic motility to effectively interact with the vibrations of the organ of Corti with large enough forces applied with the correct timing. To test this hypothes

Introduction Cochlear micromechanics and frequency tuning depend on the macromolecular organization of the basilar membrane (BM), which is still unclear in man. Novel techniques in cochlear implantation (CI) motivate further analyses of the BM. Materials and methods Normal cochleae from patients undergoing removal of life-threatening petro-clival meningioma and an autopsy specimen from a normal human were used. Laser-confocal microscopy, high resolution scanning (SEM) and transmission electronmicroscopy (TEM) were carried out in combination. In addition, one human temporal bone was decellularized and investigated by SEM. Results The human BM consisted in four separate layers: (1) epithelial basement membrane positive for laminin-beta 2 andcollagen IV, (2) BM Bproper boolean AND composed of radial fibers expressing collagen II and XI, (3) layer of collagen IV and (4) tympanic covering layer (TCL) expressing collagen IV, fibronectin and integrin. BM thickness varied both radially and longitudinally (mean 0.55-1.16 mu m). BM was thinnest near the OHC region and laterally. Conclusions There are several important similarities and differences between the morphology of the BM in humans and animals. Unlike in animals, it does not contain a distinct pars tecta (arcuate) and pectinata. Its width increases and thickness decreases as it travels apically in the cochlea. Findings show that the human BM is thinnest and probably most vibration-sensitive at the outer pillar feet/Deiter cells at the OHCs. The inner pillar and IHCs seem situated on a fairly rigid part of the BM. The gradient design of the BM suggests that its vulnerability increases apical wards when performing hearing preservation CI surgery.

Introduction Cochlear micromechanics and frequency tuning depend on the macromolecular organization of the basilar membrane (BM), which is still unclear in man. Novel techniques in cochlear implantation (CI) motivate further analyses of the BM. Materials and methods Normal cochleae from patients undergoing removal of life-threatening petro-clival meningioma and an autopsy specimen from a normal human were used. Laser-confocal microscopy, high resolution scanning (SEM) and transmission electronmicroscopy (TEM) were carried out in combination. In addition, one human temporal bone was decellularized and investigated by SEM. Results The human BM consisted in four separate layers: (1) epithelial basement membrane positive for laminin-beta 2 andcollagen IV, (2) BM Bproper boolean AND composed of radial fibers expressing collagen II and XI, (3) layer of collagen IV and (4) tympanic covering layer (TCL) expressing collagen IV, fibronectin and integrin. BM thickness varied both radially and longitudinally (mean 0.55-1.16 mu m). BM was thinnest near the OHC region and laterally. Conclusions There are several important similarities and differences between the morphology of the BM in humans and animals. Unlike in animals, it does not contain a distinct pars tecta (arcuate) and pectinata. Its width increases and thickness decreases as it travels apically in the cochlea. Findings show that the human BM is thinnest and probably most vibration-sensitive at the outer pillar feet/Deiter cells at the OHCs. The inner pillar and IHCs seem situated on a fairly rigid part of the BM. The gradient design of the BM suggests that its vulnerability increases apical wards when performing hearing preservation CI surgery.

Introduction Cochlear micromechanics and frequency tuning depend on the macromolecular organization of the basilar membrane (BM), which is still unclear in man. Novel techniques in cochlear implantation (CI) motivate further analyses of the BM. Materials and methods Normal cochleae from patients undergoing removal of life-threatening petro-clival meningioma and an autopsy specimen from a normal human were used. Laser-confocal microscopy, high resolution scanning (SEM) and transmission electronmicroscopy (TEM) were carried out in combination. In addition, one human temporal bone was decellularized and investigated by SEM. Results The human BM consisted in four separate layers: (1) epithelial basement membrane positive for laminin-beta 2 andcollagen IV, (2) BM Bproper boolean AND composed of radial fibers expressing collagen II and XI, (3) layer of collagen IV and (4) tympanic covering layer (TCL) expressing collagen IV, fibronectin and integrin. BM thickness varied both radially and longitudinally (mean 0.55-1.16 mu m). BM was thinnest near the OHC region and laterally. Conclusions There are several important similarities and differences between the morphology of the BM in humans and animals. Unlike in animals, it does not contain a distinct pars tecta (arcuate) and pectinata. Its width increases and thickness decreases as it travels apically in the cochlea. Findings show that the human BM is thinnest and probably most vibration-sensitive at the outer pillar feet/Deiter cells at the OHCs. The inner pillar and IHCs seem situated on a fairly rigid part of the BM. The gradient design of the BM suggests that its vulnerability increases apical wards when performing hearing preservation CI surgery.

Traveling waves in the inner ear exhibit an amplitude peak that shifts with frequency. The peaking is commonly believed to rely on motile processes that amplify the wave by inserting energy. We recorded the vibrations at adjacent positions on the basilar membrane in sensitive gerbil cochleae and tested the putative power amplification in two ways. First, we determined the energy flux of the traveling wave at its peak and compared it to the acoustic power entering the ear, thereby obtaining the net cochlear power gain. For soft sounds, the energy flux at the peak was 1 ± 0.6 dB less than the middle ear input power. For more intense sounds, increasingly smaller fractions of the acoustic power actually reached the peak region. Thus, we found no net power amplification of soft sounds and a strong net attenuation of intense sounds. Second, we analyzed local wave propagation on the basilar membrane. We found that the waves slowed down abruptly when approaching their peak, causing an energy densification that quantitatively matched the amplitude peaking, similar to the growth of sea waves approaching the beach. Thus, we found no local power amplification of soft sounds and strong local attenuation of intense sounds. The most parsimonious interpretation of these findings is that cochlear sensitivity is not realized by amplifying acoustic energy, but by spatially focusing it, and that dynamic compression is realized by adjusting the amount of dissipation to sound intensity.

Introduction Cochlear micromechanics and frequency tuning depend on the macromolecular organization of the basilar membrane (BM), which is still unclear in man. Novel techniques in cochlear implantation (CI) motivate further analyses of the BM. Materials and methods Normal cochleae from patients undergoing removal of life-threatening petro-clival meningioma and an autopsy specimen from a normal human were used. Laser-confocal microscopy, high resolution scanning (SEM) and transmission electronmicroscopy (TEM) were carried out in combination. In addition, one human temporal bone was decellularized and investigated by SEM. Results The human BM consisted in four separate layers: (1) epithelial basement membrane positive for laminin-beta 2 andcollagen IV, (2) BM Bproper boolean AND composed of radial fibers expressing collagen II and XI, (3) layer of collagen IV and (4) tympanic covering layer (TCL) expressing collagen IV, fibronectin and integrin. BM thickness varied both radially and longitudinally (mean 0.55-1.16 mu m). BM was thinnest near the OHC region and laterally. Conclusions There are several important similarities and differences between the morphology of the BM in humans and animals. Unlike in animals, it does not contain a distinct pars tecta (arcuate) and pectinata. Its width increases and thickness decreases as it travels apically in the cochlea. Findings show that the human BM is thinnest and probably most vibration-sensitive at the outer pillar feet/Deiter cells at the OHCs. The inner pillar and IHCs seem situated on a fairly rigid part of the BM. The gradient design of the BM suggests that its vulnerability increases apical wards when performing hearing preservation CI surgery.

Introduction Cochlear micromechanics and frequency tuning depend on the macromolecular organization of the basilar membrane (BM), which is still unclear in man. Novel techniques in cochlear implantation (CI) motivate further analyses of the BM. Materials and methods Normal cochleae from patients undergoing removal of life-threatening petro-clival meningioma and an autopsy specimen from a normal human were used. Laser-confocal microscopy, high resolution scanning (SEM) and transmission electronmicroscopy (TEM) were carried out in combination. In addition, one human temporal bone was decellularized and investigated by SEM. Results The human BM consisted in four separate layers: (1) epithelial basement membrane positive for laminin-beta 2 andcollagen IV, (2) BM Bproper boolean AND composed of radial fibers expressing collagen II and XI, (3) layer of collagen IV and (4) tympanic covering layer (TCL) expressing collagen IV, fibronectin and integrin. BM thickness varied both radially and longitudinally (mean 0.55-1.16 mu m). BM was thinnest near the OHC region and laterally. Conclusions There are several important similarities and differences between the morphology of the BM in humans and animals. Unlike in animals, it does not contain a distinct pars tecta (arcuate) and pectinata. Its width increases and thickness decreases as it travels apically in the cochlea. Findings show that the human BM is thinnest and probably most vibration-sensitive at the outer pillar feet/Deiter cells at the OHCs. The inner pillar and IHCs seem situated on a fairly rigid part of the BM. The gradient design of the BM suggests that its vulnerability increases apical wards when performing hearing preservation CI surgery.

The article describes the role of the shape of the cochlea and the role of the Reissner’s membrane, that are relating to formulation of the problem of constructing a mathematical model of human cochlea. For the first time in a three-dimensional model was included the longitudinal coupling in form of elastic stiffness of fibers.Reference 7, figures 2, В работе рассмотрены вопросы роли формы улитки и роли мембраны Рейснера, которые касаются постановки задачи для построения математической модели улитки человека. Впервые в работе для трёхмерной модели была учтена продольная связь в виде сгибательной жесткости волокон.Библ. 7, рис. 2, Метою даної роботи є формулювання рівнянь для одно-, дво- та тривимірних моделей равлика. В багатьох роботах, що стосуються характеристик слуху людини, вчені торкаються питання нелінійних ефектів слуху та активності/пасивності нашої системи сприйняття звуків. На це питання важко відразу дати обґрунтовану відповідь, тому дана стаття є підготовчим етапом для відповіді на нього. На даному підготовчому етапі будуть сформульовані рівняння для одно-, дво- та тривимірних моделей равлика.

We recorded responses of the gerbil basilar membrane (BM) to wideband tone complexes. The intensity of one component was varied and the effects on the amplitude and phase of the others were assessed. This suppression paradigm enabled us to vary probe frequency and suppressor frequency independently, allowing the use of simple scaling arguments to analyze the spatial buildup of the nonlinear interaction between traveling waves. Most suppressors had the same effects on probe amplitude and phase as did wideband intensity increments. The main exception were suppressors above the characteristic frequency (CF) of the recording location, for which the frequency range of most affected probes was not constant, but shifted upward with suppressor frequency. BM displacement reliably predicted the effectiveness of low-side suppressors, but not high-side suppressors. We found "anti-suppression" of probes well below CF, i.e., suppressor-induced enhancement of probe response amplitude. Large (>1 cycle) phase effects occurred for above-CF probes. Phase shifts varied nonmonotonically, but systematically, with suppressor level, probe frequency, and suppressor frequency, reconciling apparent discrepancies in the literature. The analysis of spatial buildup revealed an accumulation of local effects on the propagation of the traveling wave, with larger BM displacement reducing the local forward gain. The propagation speed of the wave was also affected. With larger BM displacement, the basal portion of the wave slowed down, while the apical part sped up. This framework of spatial buildup of local effects unifies the widely different effects of overall intensity, low-side suppressors, and high-side suppressors on BM responses.

To identify a parameter to distinguish normal hearing from hearing impairment in the early stages. The parameter was obtained from transient-evoked otoacoustic emissions (TEOAEs), overcoming the limitations of the usually adopted waveform descriptive parameters which may fail in standard clinical screenings.

The short-pulsed "click" stimuli most commonly used to evoke an Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) do not account for temporal shifts along the basilar membrane and do not produce ABRs of maximal amplitude. This paper describes a system that maps these temporal shifts and generates patient-specific stimuli to compensate. This is of interest both to enhance the ABR and as a potential way to map the physiology of the basilar membrane.

Light produces force when interacting with matter. Such radiation pressure may be used to accelerate small objects along the beam path of a laser. Here, we demonstrate that a moderately powerful laser can deliver enough force to locally stimulate the hearing organ, in the absence of conventional sound. Damped mechanical oscillations are observed following brief laser pulses, implying that the organ of Corti is locally resonant. This new method will be helpful for probing the mechanical properties of the hearing organ, which have crucial importance for the ear's ability to detect sound.

Relation of structure and function at various levels of neuronal integration. Topics include: functional neuroanatomy and neurophysiology, sensory and motor systems, centrally programmed behavior, sensory systems, sleep and dreaming, motivation and reward, emotional displays of various types, "higher functions" and the neocortex, and neural processes in learning and memory. In order to improve writing skills in describing experiments and critiquing published research in neuroscience, students are required to complete four homework assignments and one literature review with revision. From the course home page: Course Description This course begins with the study of nerve cells which includes their structure, the propagation of nerve impulses and transfer of information between nerve cells, the effect of drugs on this process, and the development of nerve cells into the brain and spinal cord. Next, sensory systems such as hearing, vision and touch are covered as well as a discussion on how physical energy such as light is converted into neural signals, where these signals travel in the brain and how they are processed. Other topics include the control of voluntary movement, the neurochemical bases of brain diseases, and those systems which control sleep and consciousness, learning and memory.

Relation of structure and function at various levels of neuronal integration. Topics include: functional neuroanatomy and neurophysiology, sensory and motor systems, centrally programmed behavior, sensory systems, sleep and dreaming, motivation and reward, emotional displays of various types, "higher functions" and the neocortex, and neural processes in learning and memory. In order to improve writing skills in describing experiments and critiquing published research in neuroscience, students are required to complete four homework assignments and one literature review with revision. From the course home page: Course Description This course begins with the study of nerve cells which includes their structure, the propagation of nerve impulses and transfer of information between nerve cells, the effect of drugs on this process, and the development of nerve cells into the brain and spinal cord. Next, sensory systems such as hearing, vision and touch are covered as well as a discussion on how physical energy such as light is converted into neural signals, where these signals travel in the brain and how they are processed. Other topics include the control of voluntary movement, the neurochemical bases of brain diseases, and those systems which control sleep and consciousness, learning and memory.

Rats were exposed to ethyl benzene at 0, 300, 400 and 550 ppm for 8 hours/day for 5 consecutive days. Three to six weeks after the exposure, auditory function was tested by measuring compound action potentials (CAP) in the frequency range of 1-24 kHz and 2f1-f2 distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) in the frequency range of 4-22.6 kHz. In addition, outer hair cell (OHC) loss was quantified by histological examination. The lowest concentration ethyl benzene had no effect on any of the above measures. At 400 ppm, auditory thresholds were increased by 15 and 16 dB at 12 and 16 kHz, respectively, and at 550 ppm by 24, 31, and 22 dB at 8, 12, and 16 kHz, respectively. DPOAE amplitude growth with stimulus level was affected only after 550 ppm at 5.6, 8, and 11.3 kHz. OHC loss was found in two of the five examined locations in the cochlea. At 400 ppm, 25% OHC loss was found at the 11- and 21-kHz region. The highest concentration evoked 40% and 75% OHC loss at the 11- and 21-kHz location, respectively. Thus, the mid-frequency region of rats is affected after exposure to relatively low concentrations of ethyl benzene (400-550 ppm). These results indicate that ethyl benzene is one of the most potent ototoxic organic solvents known today. Chemicals/CAS: Benzene Derivatives; ethylbenzene, 100-41-4

In this study, we investigated the relative localization of some antigenic epitopes in the inner ear. The inner ear protein antigens were extracted from various parts of the guinea pig inner ear. Brain, kidney, lung, heart and liver extracts were also obtained. We found by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis that total inner ear extracts separated into three high concentration polypeptide bands with molecular weights of approximately 30, 42, 58 kd and three low density bands of 20, 25 and 35 kd. The 30 kd band was found mainly in the extract of the spiral ganglion and the acoustic nerve in the modiolus. The 42 and 58 kd bands were detected in the extract of the spiral ligament and the stria vascularis. The Organ of Corti and the basilar membrane extract gave rise to three bands of 30, 42 and 58 kd. Twenty-eight of the 75 sera from patients with inner ear disease reacted with the 30 and 58 kd bands of the inner ear protein extracts by immunoblotting. Sixteen of these 28 positive sera were then used to probe immunoblots of the brain, kidney, lung, heart and liver extracts. The 58 kd band was also found in protein extracts of the brain, the lung and the liver. This study suggests that the 30 kd antigenic epitope may be mainly related to the acoustic nerve and that the 58 kd antigenic epitope is not cochlear specific.

Ověření funkce bazilární mebrány jako frekvenčního analyzátoru při buzení tlakovou vlnou. Výpočet přenosové funkce zvukových signálů do vnitřního ucha pro případ přerušení řetězce osikulárních kůstek. Výpočtové modelování v rámci systému ANSYS., Verification of basilar mebrane function as frequency analyser in the case of pressure wave excitation. Calculate the transfer function of sound signals to the inner ear in case of interruption of the chain of ear bone. Computational modeling of the system ANSYS.

Ověření funkce bazilární mebrány jako frekvenčního analyzátoru při buzení tlakovou vlnou. Výpočet přenosové funkce zvukových signálů do vnitřního ucha pro případ přerušení řetězce osikulárních kůstek. Výpočtové modelování v rámci systému ANSYS., Verification of basilar mebrane function as frequency analyser in the case of pressure wave excitation. Calculate the transfer function of sound signals to the inner ear in case of interruption of the chain of ear bone. Computational modeling of the system ANSYS.

Tato diplomová práce si klade za cíl ověření funkce kochley jako frekvenčního analyzátoru na základě výpočtového modelování makro-mechaniky v kochley metodou MKP. Zaměřuji se na zjištění spektra bazilární membrány, které je závislé na proměnnosti geometrie, materiálových charakteristik a přítomností kapalného prostředí. Vzájemné působení kapalné a tuhé fáze je popsáno interakcí tělesa s tekutinou v systému ANSYS. Model je lineární a neuvažuje aktivní činnost metabolických procesů. Dále se v práci zaměřuji na dekompozici zvuku a ověření dvou nejznámějších hypotéz o přenosu informace o frekvenci zvuku do mozku., This thesis aims to verify the function of the cochlea as a spectrum analyzer based on computational modeling of macro-mechanics of the cochlea using FEM. I aim to identify the spectrum of the basilar membrane, which is dependent on the variability of geometry, material characteristics and the presence of liquid environments. Interactions between liquid and solid phases is described by fluid-structure interaction in the system ANSYS. The model is linear and does not pursue an active policy of metabolic processes. Further the work focuses on the decomposition of the sound and check of two best known hypotheses about the transmission frequency of the sound to the brain.

Ověření funkce bazilární mebrány jako frekvenčního analyzátoru při buzení tlakovou vlnou. Výpočet přenosové funkce zvukových signálů do vnitřního ucha pro případ přerušení řetězce osikulárních kůstek. Výpočtové modelování v rámci systému ANSYS., Verification of basilar mebrane function as frequency analyser in the case of pressure wave excitation. Calculate the transfer function of sound signals to the inner ear in case of interruption of the chain of ear bone. Computational modeling of the system ANSYS.

Ověření funkce bazilární mebrány jako frekvenčního analyzátoru při buzení tlakovou vlnou. Výpočet přenosové funkce zvukových signálů do vnitřního ucha pro případ přerušení řetězce osikulárních kůstek. Výpočtové modelování v rámci systému ANSYS., Verification of basilar mebrane function as frequency analyser in the case of pressure wave excitation. Calculate the transfer function of sound signals to the inner ear in case of interruption of the chain of ear bone. Computational modeling of the system ANSYS.

Tato diplomová práce si klade za cíl ověření funkce kochley jako frekvenčního analyzátoru na základě výpočtového modelování makro-mechaniky v kochley metodou MKP. Zaměřuji se na zjištění spektra bazilární membrány, které je závislé na proměnnosti geometrie, materiálových charakteristik a přítomností kapalného prostředí. Vzájemné působení kapalné a tuhé fáze je popsáno interakcí tělesa s tekutinou v systému ANSYS. Model je lineární a neuvažuje aktivní činnost metabolických procesů. Dále se v práci zaměřuji na dekompozici zvuku a ověření dvou nejznámějších hypotéz o přenosu informace o frekvenci zvuku do mozku., This thesis aims to verify the function of the cochlea as a spectrum analyzer based on computational modeling of macro-mechanics of the cochlea using FEM. I aim to identify the spectrum of the basilar membrane, which is dependent on the variability of geometry, material characteristics and the presence of liquid environments. Interactions between liquid and solid phases is described by fluid-structure interaction in the system ANSYS. The model is linear and does not pursue an active policy of metabolic processes. Further the work focuses on the decomposition of the sound and check of two best known hypotheses about the transmission frequency of the sound to the brain.

Tato diplomová práce si klade za cíl ověření funkce kochley jako frekvenčního analyzátoru na základě výpočtového modelování makro-mechaniky v kochley metodou MKP. Zaměřuji se na zjištění spektra bazilární membrány, které je závislé na proměnnosti geometrie, materiálových charakteristik a přítomností kapalného prostředí. Vzájemné působení kapalné a tuhé fáze je popsáno interakcí tělesa s tekutinou v systému ANSYS. Model je lineární a neuvažuje aktivní činnost metabolických procesů. Dále se v práci zaměřuji na dekompozici zvuku a ověření dvou nejznámějších hypotéz o přenosu informace o frekvenci zvuku do mozku., This thesis aims to verify the function of the cochlea as a spectrum analyzer based on computational modeling of macro-mechanics of the cochlea using FEM. I aim to identify the spectrum of the basilar membrane, which is dependent on the variability of geometry, material characteristics and the presence of liquid environments. Interactions between liquid and solid phases is described by fluid-structure interaction in the system ANSYS. The model is linear and does not pursue an active policy of metabolic processes. Further the work focuses on the decomposition of the sound and check of two best known hypotheses about the transmission frequency of the sound to the brain.

Tato diplomová práce si klade za cíl ověření funkce kochley jako frekvenčního analyzátoru na základě výpočtového modelování makro-mechaniky v kochley metodou MKP. Zaměřuji se na zjištění spektra bazilární membrány, které je závislé na proměnnosti geometrie, materiálových charakteristik a přítomností kapalného prostředí. Vzájemné působení kapalné a tuhé fáze je popsáno interakcí tělesa s tekutinou v systému ANSYS. Model je lineární a neuvažuje aktivní činnost metabolických procesů. Dále se v práci zaměřuji na dekompozici zvuku a ověření dvou nejznámějších hypotéz o přenosu informace o frekvenci zvuku do mozku., This thesis aims to verify the function of the cochlea as a spectrum analyzer based on computational modeling of macro-mechanics of the cochlea using FEM. I aim to identify the spectrum of the basilar membrane, which is dependent on the variability of geometry, material characteristics and the presence of liquid environments. Interactions between liquid and solid phases is described by fluid-structure interaction in the system ANSYS. The model is linear and does not pursue an active policy of metabolic processes. Further the work focuses on the decomposition of the sound and check of two best known hypotheses about the transmission frequency of the sound to the brain.

Ověření funkce bazilární mebrány jako frekvenčního analyzátoru při buzení tlakovou vlnou. Výpočet přenosové funkce zvukových signálů do vnitřního ucha pro případ přerušení řetězce osikulárních kůstek. Výpočtové modelování v rámci systému ANSYS., Verification of basilar mebrane function as frequency analyser in the case of pressure wave excitation. Calculate the transfer function of sound signals to the inner ear in case of interruption of the chain of ear bone. Computational modeling of the system ANSYS.

A long accumulation of psychophysical and physiological evidence indicates that auditory fatigue has its locus of effect in the cochlea; transfer studies with negative or questionable results, and studies of cochlear chemistry and potentials with positive results all lead to the same conclusion. However, Galambo’s reports of inhibition through efferent stimulation taken together with his finding of changes in cochlear potentials corresponding to differences in attentiveness provide a basis for testing the existence of a central factor operative in auditory fatigue., The present study was design to evaluate the possibility that a listener’s level of mental activity constitutes and adequate central factor. Subjects were presented with a 4000 cps, 40 dB SL or 90 dB SL tone for 3 minutes under conditions of a) a mental or b) reverie. Pre- and post-fatigue thresholds were measured with a switched (0.2 sec on, 0.2 sec off) tone. For low level (40 dB) fatigue the frequency of the test tone was 4000 cps and for high level (90 dB) fatigue, 5656 cps., Subjects consistently showed grater temporary threshold shift and longer recovery time when the fatiguing tone was presented in the mental task condition. Results indicate a central factor in pure tone auditory fatigue. It is suggested that the degree of effect of a fatiguing tone is a function of the listener’s degree of mental activity during stimulation.