Energy transduction in the cochlea.

Reasons are presented for considering that the properties of the travelling wave as described by von Békésy are inadequate by themselves to explain phenomena at the threshold of hearing as regards energetics and speed of acoustic transmission. The degree of "tuning" of the basilar membrane is also insufficient. Alternative propositions based on the physico-chemical properties and macromolecular physics of the tectorial membrane are offered. These proposals have both an experimental and theoretical basis. The final section indicates how several unresolved problems of cochlear function might be approached from this fresh standpoint.