Two Theories of Hearing

<p><strong>Summary</strong></p> <p>Part one of this study presents a brief overview of the philosophy of Bekesy’s traveling wave theory. The principles of the traveling wave theory are based on cochlear hydrodynamics. This aside, an important role is played by wave resonance, natural vibrations of the basilar membrane, and traveling waves on the basilar membrane. The theory recognizes cochlear fluid flows that code and transfer auditory information. An important element of that theory is the tip-links mechanism and the mechanical amplification of soft tones.</p> <p>Part two of the paper provides a short description of the new submolecular theory of hearing. The main premise of this theory is that there is a different simple pathway of a signal to the receptor. Wave resonance, the traveling wave, the mechanical amplification of soft tones, and the tip-links mechanism cease to be important. The information is transmitted to the receptor by means of a sound wave. Transformations in the energy that codes auditory information take place in the receptor and the auditory cell on a submolecular level. Signal amplification occurs inside the auditory cell. Part three contains a brief summary and comparison of both theories of hearing.</p>