# Investigation of the role of the tectorial membrane in cochlear mechanics using computational models

> **NIH NIH R01** · GEORGIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY · 2022 · $257,060

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY
Physiological recordings and measurements of otoacoustic emissions (OAEs) in transgenic mice have helped
to characterize the effects of genetic mutations of the tectorial membrane (TM) on cochlear function. However,
current understanding of the role of the TM in mammalian hearing mechanics remains limited. This research
aims to elucidate the role of the TM in hearing mechanics using computational models of wild-type and
transgenic mice. More specifically, the proposed research focuses on the role of the TM in the active feedback
mechanism called cochlear amplifier that is necessary to achieve sharp tuning and high sensitivity in response to
low level sounds. Specific Aim 1 seeks to determine how genetic mutations of the TM alter mechanical coupling
of outer hair cells. Specific Aim 2 will establish how changes in the mechanical properties of the TM in transgenic
mice affect cochlear tuning and OAE-based measures of cochlear tuning. Specific Aim 3 will investigate the
underlying mechanism for the enhancement of some types of OAEs that has previously been reported in some
transgenic mice. In order to accomplish the objectives of this research, we will carefully model the effects of
the mutations on the structure, anatomy, and mechanical properties of the TM and will predict the effect of the
mutations on cochlear mechanics and OAEs by using a physiologically-based computational model of the murine
cochlea. Theoretical models will be validated using published experimental data and new experimental data that
will be provided by our collaborators. Furthermore, we will make theoretical predictions that will be experimentally
tested by our collaborators. The results of this research will demonstrate that our unique virtual laboratory for
hearing mechanics that includes details about cochlear micromechanics and TM mechanics constitutes a com-
prehensive framework that can explain invasive physiological data as well as noninvasive OAE measurements. If
successful, this research will help to better diagnose and treat hearing impairment and auditory disorders caused
by genetic abnormalities of the TM, since some mutations of the proteins expressed in the TM have been linked
to human hereditary deafness. The results of this research will also facilitate the design of hearing aids and
cochlear implants by helping to extract more information from noninvasive OAE measurements.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10466828
- **Project number:** 5R01DC016114-05
- **Recipient organization:** GEORGIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
- **Principal Investigator:** Julien Meaud
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $257,060
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2018-09-01 → 2024-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10466828

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10466828, Investigation of the role of the tectorial membrane in cochlear mechanics using computational models (5R01DC016114-05). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10466828. Licensed CC0.

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