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Physiology and
Biophysics of the Mammalian Cochlea
The auditory
system is
capable of
detecting signals embedded in thermal (kT) noise (see Hudspeth,
1997). The relative contribution of the outer and middle ear in setting
this auditory
sensitivity remains unclear, while it seems that
the cochlea acts to enhance signal detection by an internal
amplification process that
is frequency-specific but, as yet, not well understood (see Dallos et
al. 2006, Chan & Hudspeth, 2005). Concomitant with this internal
amplification process in the cochlea is sound radiating out of the ear,
or otoacoustic emissions, that provide a non-invasive window into
cochlear mechanical function (e.g., Shera & Guinan, 2007). My
research focuses on the biophysics of the mammalian ear, the goal being
a better understanding of how the mechanics of the ear set auditory
sensitivity. My current investigations include
- the role the outer and middle ear have in
setting in
auditory
sensitivity
- the mechanisms of generation of otoacoustic
emissions
- the role hair cell damage plays in
Presbycusis
- cochlear tuning in mammals
Diagnostic Audiology
See
Student
Research
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