Representation of acoustic signals in the human cochlea in presence of a cochlear implant electrode

Our model suggests that stiffening of the basilar membrane adjacent to an implanted electrode into the basal and middle cochlear turn did not affect BM movement in the low frequency area. Focussing of acoustic energy may increase perception in regions adjacent to the fixed section. Observations in implanted subjects were concordant with our model predictions. High frequencies, however, should not be amplified in patients using EAS to avoid disturbances in discrimination due to tonotopically incorrect frequency representation.