Ion flow in cochlear hair cells and the regulation of hearing sensitivity

► Role of transport proteins in regulating hair cells and cochlear gain is discussed. ► Cochlear gain is sensitive to mechanical bias but tolerant of brief EP changes. ► Spontaneous primary afferent firing is sensitive to brief EP changes. ► Load-line analysis of hair cell current and cochlear gain is discussed. ► Calcium may serve multiple roles in regulating hair cell function and cochlear gain.