# COCHLEAR MECHANICS, WAVE PROPAGATION, AND COMPRESSION

> **NIH NIH R01** · FATHER FLANAGAN'S BOYS' HOME · 2020 · $328,109

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT
 COCHLEAR MECHANICS, WAVE PROPAGATION, AND COMPRESSION
 The proposed project continues a program of research that is improving our knowledge of cochlear
function through a combination of theoretical and empirical studies of fundamental processes in the peripheral
auditory system that have both basic and translational implications. The first aim addresses a theoretical issue
concerning power amplification in cochlear mechanics. It posits a mechanism for amplification in a four-
chamber cochlear model and investigates consistency with experimental observations. This aim tests
supporting evidence for the existence of a hypothetical cochlear amplifier. The second aim focuses on further
development of a method for measurement of acoustic emissions from the inner ear that are evoked by wide-
band noise stimuli. Signal processing and statistical analysis of these cochlear-reflectance measurements will
improve their sensitivity to hearing loss and improve the accuracy of their prediction of hearing threshold. The
remaining two aims of this project both utilize a cochlear-processing simulation, which is based on an existing
nonlinear model of cochlear mechanics. Through a combination of computational modeling and behavioral
measurements these aims will investigate two perceptual phenomena: consonant recognition and loudness
growth. These aims will both test the hypothesis that cochlear processing produces spectro-temporal features
that are closer to observed perception than features derived directly from the acoustic signal. Through efforts
related to all four aims, questions that possess both basic scientific interest and applied clinical relevance will
be addressed by combined application of measurement and modeling efforts.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9883298
- **Project number:** 2R01DC008318-11
- **Recipient organization:** FATHER FLANAGAN'S BOYS' HOME
- **Principal Investigator:** Stephen T Neely
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $328,109
- **Award type:** 2
- **Project period:** 2007-04-01 → 2024-12-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9883298

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9883298, COCHLEAR MECHANICS, WAVE PROPAGATION, AND COMPRESSION (2R01DC008318-11). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9883298. Licensed CC0.

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