Article Type : Review Article
Authors : Myjkowski J
Keywords : Traveling wave; Natural vibrations; Transmission; OHC; IHC; Sound wave; Basilar membrane; Acoustic otoemission
The paper
points out the shortcomings and doubts of “Bekesy's travelling wave"
theory of hearing. Announced in 1928, it is a typical mechanical theory of
hearing.
The paper points out the shortcomings and doubts of
“Bekesy's travelling wave" theory of hearing. Announced in 1928, it is a
typical mechanical theory of hearing [1]. It has been supplemented many times
later on, but its foundation in terms of the role of the basilar membrane and
resonance, as well as hydrodynamics of cochlear fluids is constant. The theory
does not properly explain all the processes that make up the reception,
processing and transmission of auditory information. This paper is an impetus
for a new analysis of hearing mechanisms consistent with the current state of
knowledge at the submolecular level in agreement with physics and quantum
chemistry [2]. There are already some signs of a new vision of hearing, but a
broader discussion is lacking. Belief in Bekesy's dogma is still too strong.
The paper presents evidence of existence of a simple and rapid auditory signal
pathway to the receptor through the cochlear bone housing [3].
The stapes plate generates waves in the atrial fluid.
The wave, traveling in a straight line, encounters the wall of the cochlear
duct, which is concave in two planes. Reflections from the concave surface
cause the concentration of the reflected wave, which reaches the basilar
membrane through the flaccid Reissner’s membrane. Multiple reflections result
in the summation of wave energy in the basilar membrane. A transverse wave is
formed on the basilar membrane, which grows from the oval window toward the
cap. High-frequency waves are reflected first. The absorbed energy of long
waves, reflected later, is accumulated in a further and further part of the
basilar membrane, causing a wave on the basilar membrane. But can such a
traveling wave be created when the amplitude of the wave in the atrial canal is
even 100 times smaller than the diameter of a hydrogen atom? A signal of this
amplitude reaches the receptor - by a different route.
The collected information, analysis and evidence let
us put forward the thesis that there is a simple and fast route of the auditory
signal from the middle ear through the bone housing of the cochlea directly to
the receptor. This path is the most reasonable and documented for
high-frequency tones. There is already plenty of evidence. Further simple
research is proposed to confirm this thesis. Acoustic otoemission also requires
new analysis. Acoustic otoemission is a common phenomenon and is used in
medical research, but there is no logical explanation of the mechanism behind
the phenomenon.