Development of otoacoustic emissions in gerbil: evidence for micromechanical changes underlying development of the place code.

The development of the acoustic distortion product (ADP) 2f1-f2 was studied in gerbils, beginning 12 days after birth (P12). ADPs were measured as a function of stimulus frequency region (1.0 to 13.0 kHz) and level (10 to 80 dB SPL). There was an orderly progression in the appearance and maturation of the emissions, with responses to high-frequency stimuli (f2 = 13.0 kHz) appearing first, at P13-14. Responses to mid and high frequencies (f2 = 3.9 to 13.0 kHz) matured earlier than responses to lower frequencies. Responses to low-frequency stimuli (f2 = 1.3 KHz) did not appear until P18-19 and were not mature until after one month of age. The first emissions to develop in a given frequency region had elevated thresholds, were reduced in amplitude, and displayed monotonic input-output functions. As the auditory system matured, emission growth functions became non-monotonic displaying saturation, but initially retained a reduced dynamic range. Data from the developing gerbil suggest that initially its cochlear mechanics are passive and that active elements associated with normal outer hair cell function mature first in the basal turn and last near the apex. Furthermore, the development of active nonlinear elements underlying ADP generation is consistent with the development of frequency selectivity and developmental shifts in the place code which have been demonstrated in the gerbil.