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Cochlear interdependence and micromechanics in Man and their relations with the activity of the medial olivocochlear efferent system (MOES)

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 June 2007

G. Rossi ,
R. Actis ,
P. Solero ,
M. Rolando  and
M. D. Pejrone
G. Rossi*
Affiliation:
Institute of Audiology and Phonology, University of Turin, 3, v. Genova, 10126 Torino (Italy).
R. Actis
Affiliation:
Institute of Audiology and Phonology, University of Turin, 3, v. Genova, 10126 Torino (Italy).
P. Solero
Affiliation:
Institute of Audiology and Phonology, University of Turin, 3, v. Genova, 10126 Torino (Italy).
M. Rolando
Affiliation:
Institute of Audiology and Phonology, University of Turin, 3, v. Genova, 10126 Torino (Italy).
M. D. Pejrone
Affiliation:
Institute of Audiology and Phonology, University of Turin, 3, v. Genova, 10126 Torino (Italy).
*
Professor Giovanni Rossi, Director, Institute of Audiology and Phonology, University of Turin, 3, v. Genova, 10126 Torino, Italy.
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Abstract

Following stimulation of one ear with white noise (WN) or 0.5, 1 and 2 kHz tone bursts a statistically valid mean reduction in the amplitude of delayed evoked otoacoustic emissions (DEOE), elicited from the contralateral ear by bursts of the same frequencies, was observed in 10 people (19–23-years-old) with normal hearing. This reduction only appeared in response to a contralateral stimulus delivered 7, 8 and 9 ms earlier than that used to produce the DEOE. This inhibitory effect was just referable to the activity of the medial olivocochlear efferent system (MOES). This research has shown that: (i) the cochlear interdependence is linked to activation of the MOES; (ii) in man the activity of MOES is inhibitory and only appears for a stimulus of the same frequency or (for WN) including that used to elicit DEOE; (iii) the cochlear interdependence is frequency selective and the MOES thus establishes a direct functional interdependence between homologous sectors of the organs of Corti on the two sides; (iv) DEOE would appear to be no more than partly generated by outer hair cells (OHC) of the organ of Corti in relation to the frequency of the stimulus employed, thus substantiating the hypothesis that in their production the effects of an 'active' mechanism, represented by the 'slow' contractile activity of the OHC, is overlain by those of a 'passive' mechanism formed by the oscillations induced by the movements of the stapes in the basilar membrane (BM) or in the set of membranes and liquids of cochlear canal.

Keywords

Cochlear micromechanicsMedial olivocochlear efferent systemEvoked otoacoustic emissions, delayedHair cells, outer
Type
Main Articles
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 107 , Issue 10 , October 1993 , pp. 883 - 891
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 1993

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