High frequency electrostimulation of excitable cells.

Reactions of nerve fibers to high frequency electrical stimulation are examined with three nerve models. Switching on the signal produces a single AP at the threshold current. Stronger currents lead into a region of repetitive firing. The firing rate depends on the current and the fibers more distant from the electrode will have a lower rate. The AP's are not synchronized. In the "House-Urban" cochlear implant a 16 kHz carrier is used for stimulation. It is modulated by electrical signals derived from sound pressure. An analysis of the modulation shows which signals can produce APs synchronized with the source signal.