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Limiting Frequency of the Cochlear Amplifier Based on Electromotility of Outer Hair Cells

Biophysics Section, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-8027

Correspondence: Address reprint requests to Kuni H. Iwasa, National Institutes of Health, Building 50, Room 4152, 50 South Drive, MSC-8027, Bethesda, MD 20892-8027. Tel.: 301-496-3987; Fax: 301-480-0827; E-mail: iwasa{at}nih.gov.

Outer hair cells are the critical element for the sensitivity and sharpness of frequency selectivity of the ear. It is believed that fast motility (electromotility) of these cells is essential for this function. Indeed, force produced by outer hair cells follows their membrane potential very closely at least up to 60 kHz. However, it has been pointed out that the cell's receptor potential is attenuated by a low-pass RC circuit inherent to these cells, with the RC roll-off frequencies significantly lower than their operating frequencies. This would render electromotility ineffective in producing force. To address this issue, we assume that multiple degrees of freedom and vibrational modes due to the complex structure of the organ of Corti provide optimal phases for outer hair cells' force to cancel viscous drag. Our derived frequency limit depends on the drag-capacitance product, not directly on the RC time constant. With a reasonable assumption for the viscous drag, the estimated limit is 10–13 kHz, exceeding the RC corner frequency. Our analysis shows that a fast-activating potassium current can substantially extend the frequency limit by counteracting the capacitive current.

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