Problem 1: Weak Signal
- Sound waves lose intensity as they travel through the middle ear and inner ear.
- Without amplification, the signal reaching the hair cells would be very weak.
Problem 2: Frequency Discrimination
- The cochlea acts as a prism, separating frequencies but not with high enough precision.
- We need a finer distinction between similar frequencies for accurate sound perception.
Solution: The Cochlear Amplifier
- This mechanism in the inner ear amplifies sound waves and refines frequency discrimination.
- It is not present in dead cochleas, highlighting its active biological function.
Next Steps:
- The next lecture will explore how the cochlear amplifier works.
Outer Hair Cell Motility Otoacoustic Emissions (OAEs) Hearing Loss