Numerical simulation on a spiral cochlear

A three-dimensional passive spiral cochlear model including the oval window (OW), round window (RW) and basilar membrane (BM) was established. The harmonic response analysis was then carried out. The results on the cochlear impedance, basilar membrane response and intracochlear pressures containing the scala vestibule and scala tympani pressure were obtained. The satisfactory agreements between the model results and the experimental data in the literature prove the validity of the finite element (FE) model. Based on the FE model, the effect of fluid viscosity on the cochlear impedance and the variation of amplitude of the BM in the transverse direction at a 12 mm distance under the normally forward sound stimulation and reverse RW stimulation was discussed. The results indicate that the cochlear impedance is increased because of the fluid viscosity. In the meantime, compared with the simplified uncoiled model, the curvature of the spiral BM has a great effect on the amplitude in the transverse direction at high frequencies under different stimulations and the sensitivity frequency range is expanded on account of the spiral geometrical characteristic. © 2017, Editorial Office of Journal of Vibration and Shock. All right reserved.