Auditory Frequency Selectivity pp 31-38 | Cite as
Asymmetry in Reflection of Cochlear Waves
Abstract
A method is presented which determines the solution of the one-dimensional cochlear model in the form of a convergent series. The leading term of the series is the unreflected wave component, which can also be derived by means of the Liouville-Green approximation. The higher order terms each represent waves which have been reflected a particular number of times by the inhomogeneity of the medium. The main conclusions of the study are: (i) There is a distinct asymmetry in reflection of cochlear waves. Reverse waves, travelling towards the stapes, are much more reflected than waves travelling towards the helicotrema. (ii) The decline of the stiffness of the basilar membrane is the principal feature determining the reflection properties.
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