Von Békésy and cochlear mechanics

Georg Békésy laid the foundation for cochlear mechanics, foremost by demonstrating the traveling wave that is the substrate for mammalian cochlear mechanical processing. He made mechanical measurements and physical models in order to understand that fundamental cochlear response. In this tribute to Békésy we make a bridge between modern traveling wave observations and those of Békésy, discuss the mechanical properties and measurements that he considered to be so important, and touch on the range of computational traveling wave models.

► Békésy’s discovery of the traveling wave was his most significant contribution.
► The volume compliance was considered by Békésy to be the most important physical property.
► Békésy’s science was guided by his love of art and beauty.