Mathematical modeling of cochlear mechanics

Abstract

The cochlea plays a crucial role in sound perception. It acts as a frequency analyzer and amplifier of lowfrequency sounds. The mechanisms underlying these functions are not fully understood, as its anatomical position as well as its active nonlinear behavior can be altered by invasive observation. The article therefore focuses on improving our understanding of cochlear function by considering different approaches to modeling its mechanics, which is intended to aid in the interpretation of experimental observations. The methodological framework of the article is based on the following set of methods: analysis, synthesis, modeling, and systematization. In the framework of the ongoing research, mathematical modeling of cochlear mechanics is presented, in particular, the general formulation of the state space of the cochlea is outlined. Special attention is paid to the modeling of the auditory nerve synapse and nonlinear damping.