On Cochlear Impedances and the Miscomputation of Power Gain |
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Authors: | Christopher A Shera Elizabeth S Olson Jr" target="_blank">John J GuinanJr |
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Institution: | (1) Eaton-Peabody Laboratories, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, 243 Charles Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA;(2) Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA |
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Abstract: | In their article, “Measurement of cochlear power gain in the sensitive gerbil ear,” Ren et al. (Nat Commun 2:216, 2011) claim to provide “the first direct experimental evidence of power amplification in the sensitive living cochlea.” While
we recognize the technical challenges of the experiments and appreciate the beauty of the data, the authors’ analysis and
interpretation of the measurements are invalid. We review the concept of impedance (i.e., the ratio of pressure to velocity)
as it applies to cochlear mechanics and show that Ren et al. mistakenly equate the impedances near the basilar membrane and
stapes with the impedance characteristic of an infinite, uniform tube of fluid. As a consequence of this error, Ren et al.’s
measurements and analysis provide no evidence for power amplification in the cochlea. Compelling evidence for power amplification
has, however, been previously provided by others. |
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Keywords: | cochlea cochlear amplifier power gain impedance |
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