Ontogenetic changes in frequency mapping of a mammalian ear.

Cochlear microphonic iso-response functions reported here suggest an explanation of frequency-dependent changes in hearing sensitivity during early development. The work is a direct demonstration of developmental changes in the spatial frequency map of the mammalian hearing organ. Intracochlear recordings from the midbasal turn in a series of age-graded gerbils reveal a progressive increase in best frequency, spanning approximately two octaves, from the time of onset of function until adultlike responses are seen. It is, therefore, suggested that ontogenetic changes in the cellular structure of the organ of Corti contribute to an age-dependent shift in micromechanical response.

[1]  H. Davis,et al.  The Space‐Time Pattern of the Cochlear Microphonics (Guinea Pig), as Recorded by Differential Electrodes , 1952 .

[2]  R. Pujol,et al.  Anatomy and physiology of the onset of auditory function. , 1973, Acta oto-laryngologica.

[3]  B. Ryals,et al.  Development of the place principle: acoustic trauma. , 1983, Science.

[4]  E. Rubel,et al.  Development of the place principle: tonotopic organization. , 1983, Science.

[5]  R. A. Schmiedt,et al.  Comparison of sound-transmission and cochlear-microphonic characteristics in Mongolian gerbil and guinea pig. , 1977, The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America.

[6]  H. Kraus,et al.  Morphological changes in the cochlea of the mouse after the onset of hearing , 1981, Hearing Research.

[7]  E. Rubel,et al.  Organization and development of brain stem auditory nuclei of the chicken: Ontogeny of N. magnocellularis and N. laminaris , 1976, The Journal of comparative neurology.

[8]  R. Pujol,et al.  Postnatal maturation in the cochlea of the cat , 1970, The Journal of comparative neurology.

[9]  A. Ryan,et al.  The development of auditory function in the cochlea of the mongolian gerbil , 1984, Hearing Research.

[10]  C. Schneck,et al.  Development of cochlear function in the neonate Mongolian gerbil (Meriones unguiculatus). , 1972, Journal of comparative and physiological psychology.

[11]  Y. Nakai,et al.  Cochlear development. Some electron microscopic observations of maturation of hair cells, spiral ganglion and Reissner's membrane. , 1968, Acta oto-laryngologica.

[12]  H H Lindeman,et al.  The sensory hairs and the tectorial membrane in the development of the cat s organ of Corti. A scanning electron microscopic study. , 1971, Acta oto-laryngologica.

[13]  G. Flottorp,et al.  A comparative study of the development of hearing and vision in various species commonly used in experiments. , 1974, Acta oto-laryngologica.

[14]  O. Larsell,et al.  DEVELOPMENT OF THE ORGAN OF CORTI IN RELATION TO THE INCEPTION OF HEARING , 1944 .