Waves on Reissner's Membrane: A Mechanism for the Propagation of Otoacoustic Emissions from the Cochlea

SummarySound is detected and converted into electrical signals within the ear. The cochlea not only acts as a passive detector of sound, however, but can also produce tones itself. These otoacoustic emissions are a striking manifestation of the cochlea's mechanical active process. A controversy remains of how these mechanical signals propagate back to the middle ear, from which they are emitted as sound. Here, we combine theoretical and experimental studies to show that mechanical signals can be transmitted by waves on Reissner's membrane, an elastic structure within the cochlea. We develop a theory for wave propagation on Reissner's membrane and its role in otoacoustic emissions. Employing a scanning laser interferometer, we measure traveling waves on Reissner's membrane in the gerbil, guinea pig, and chinchilla. The results are in accord with the theory and thus support a role for Reissner's membrane in otoacoustic emissions.

Graphical AbstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Waves can propagate on Reissner's membrane, an elastic structure in the inner ear ► These waves can be elicited by nonlinear mechanical activity within the cochlea ► Waves on Reissner's membrane can transmit otoacoustic emissions to the outside ► Waves propagate by two modes on the fluid-coupled Reissner's and basilar membranes