Some observations on cochlear mechanics.

A set of experiments was conducted using the Mössbauer effect to determine the vibratory characteristics of the basilar membrane, Reissner's membrane, the malleus, incus, and oval window in squirrel monkey. A few measurements were also made in guinea pig in the basal cochlear region. The nonlinear vibration properties of the basilar membrane are described in detail for the midfrequency region in the squirrel monkey. Only in this region have nonlinear effects been observed. A comparison of mechanical and neural data indicates good qualitative agreement.