Cochlear action potential threshold and single unit thresholds

Abstract

There is a close correlation between the sound pressure of tone burst required to affect a primary auditory neuron at its characteristic frequency and that which will produce a detectable N1 [gross nerve action potential] response at the same frequency. Units with thresholds from 0-80 dB SPL [sound pressure level] (recorded from damaged and undamaged guinea pig cochleas) were 0-20 dB, respectively, more sensitive than the action potential response.