Reproducing Cochlear Signals by a Minimal Electroacoustic Model

Giovanna Zimatore, Marta Cavagnaro, Alessandro Giuliani, Alfredo Colosimo

Department of Environment and Primary Prevention, Istituto Superiore di Sanità (I.S.S.), Rome, Italy.
Department of SAIMLAL, Section of Anatomy, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy.
Departmentt of Information Engineering, Electronics and Telecommunications, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy.
Institute of Otolaryngology, School of Medicine, Catholic University, Rome, Italy.

DOI: 10.4236/ojbiphy.2012.22005                

Abstract

Transient-Evoked Otoacoustic Emissions (TEOAEs) were studied, with particular reference to their subject-dependent features. To this end, an electric model of the ear was implemented and validated. Simulated and natural TEOAEs were analyzed through a nonlinear analysis technique. The simulated signals were able to reproduce the dynamical features of the experimentally observed TEOAEs and, most importantly, the natural variability among individuals. The unexpected inverse relation between model complexity and adherence to the natural signals is commented.

Keywords

Otoacustic Emissions; Recurrence Quantification Analysis; Biosignals

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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