Journal of Biomedical Engineering and Medical Devices
Open Access

Abstract

The Standing Acoustic Wave Principle within the Frequency Analysis of Acoustic Signals in the Cochlea

Vojtech Misun

The organ of hearing is responsible for the correct frequency analysis of auditory perceptions coming from the outer environment. The article deals with the principles of the analysis of auditory perceptions in the cochlea only, i.e., from the overall signal leaving the oval window to its decomposition realized by the basilar membrane. The paper presents two different methods with the function of the cochlea considered as a frequency analyzer of perceived acoustic signals. First, there is an analysis of the principle that cochlear function involves acoustic waves travelling along the basilar membrane; this concept is one that prevails in the contemporary specialist literature. Then, a new principle with the working name ?the principle of standing acoustic waves in the common cavity of the scala vestibuli and scala tympani? is presented and defined in depth. According to this principle, individual structural modes of the basilar membrane are excited by continuous standing waves of acoustic pressure in the scale tympani.