Method for computing motion in a two-dimensional cochlear model.

We describe an effective technique for computing the steady-state motion in a two-dimensional cochlear model. With the cochlear fluid assumed incompressible and inviscid, the problem reduces to solving Laplace's equation for a region with a yielding boundary (corresponding to the basilar membrane). From an integral equation representation of this solution, a pair of second-order differential equations is derived. The solution of these differential equations gives the velocity of the basilar membrane and hence other related quantities, e.g., displacement, pressure, driving-point impedance at the stapes. Higher-order approximations, as well as extensions to nonlinear membranes are discussed.