Possible Method of Memorizing Tonal Sound Signal Frequency in the Human Auditory System

Abstract

The book "Das Ohr als Nachrichten Empfanger" by Zwicker and Feldkeller was published in 1967. It four experiments researching into the study of human acoustic sensation in the perception of a tonal sound signal. Comprehensive analysis of their results allows us to understand that the auditory system remembers information regarding the frequency of sound on the basis of on the principle of place. According to their biophysical characteristics the complex of elements Inner Hair Cells-Basilar membrane-Outer Hair Cells (OHC-BM-IHC) is a series connection of parallel resonant circuits. During the process of perceiving a tonal sound signal, the greatest amplitude of the transverse oscillations of the BM of the cochlea is observed at that point of the basilar membrane where the signal frequency is closest to the resonance frequency of the contour. The auditory system stores information about the frequency of the sound through the sequence number of the IHC, located in the middle of the general group of cells with an elevated receptor potential (RP). The projection of IHC can be considered as a measuring scale with digitized points. Neurons with excitatory and inhibitory inputs function as logic chips in a computer. The neural network stores information about the audible pitch as a number in binary code in a group of ordered memory neurons. The understanding of main principles of functioning of human auditory system is necessary for improvement of quality of speech perception through Cochlear Implant.