Model-based estimation of the frequency tuning of the inner-hair-cell stereocilia from neural tuning curves

• DOI: 10.1121/1.4985193
• Publication Date: 2017-06-15T13:56:08Z
• Authors: Alessandro Altoè; Ville Pulkki; Sarah Verhulst
• Keywords: Basilar membrane; Stereocilia (inner ear); Transduction (biophysics); Chinchilla

This study proposes that the frequency tuning of inner-hair-cell (IHC) stereocilia in intact organ Corti can be derived from responses auditory fibers (AFs) using computational tools. The frequency-dependent relationship between AF threshold and amplitude vibration is estimated a model IHC-mediated mechanical to neural transduction. Depending on response properties considered AF, deflection required drive simulated above 1.4 9.2 dB smaller at low frequencies (≤500 Hz) than high (≥4 kHz). ciliary employed derive constant-stereocilia-deflection contours previously published recordings chinchilla cochlea. analysis shows transduction process partially accounts for observed differences basilar membrane AFs.