Cochlear mechanics

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This special issue collects our current knowledge of the mechanical processing of acoustic signals by the cochlea and its containing structures. Many workers in diverse disciplines in otology use the facts from cochlear mechanics for the interpretation of their results. Presented here for the first time is the development of a three-dimensional mechanical model of the curved cochlea including fluid-structure couplings. An important approach for future cochlear modeling is shown by the provision of geometrical data for the input of three-dimensional finite element models by microtomographic imaging. A remarkable article tries to demonstrate a connection between outer hair cell mechanics and the complex phenomenon of tinnitus and will be of special interest for stress engineers. Owing to its strong interdisciplinarity, this issue is not only intended for biophysicists, ENT clinicians and audiologists but also for radiologists, biomechanical engineers and computer engineers.