Two-dimensional cochlear fluid model: New results

Abstract

Many theories have attempted to model the function of the human cochlea. With the recent availability of the physical measurements of Rhode these theories now appear to be inadequate. Improved numerical solutions were found for the 2-dimensional cochlear model proposed by Lesser and Berkley, using the Green''s-function method as first suggested by Cox and Lien. The Green''s-function method was used to derive an integral equation which may then be solved numerically. This procedure proved to be stable, accurate and faster than several other numerical solution techniques tried. With an appropriate selection of the assumed membrane dissipation, the results agreed within a few decibels of the Moessbauer measurements of Rhode, including the sharp change in slope observed in the amplitude ratio measurements just above the best frequency. This plateau occurred at a level which is 58 dB lower in amplitude than the amplitude at the best frequency.