Tectorial membrane traveling waves underlie impaired hearing in Tectb mutant mice

Abstract

We show that the Tectb mutation reduces the spatial extent and propagation velocity of tectorial membrane (TM) traveling waves. These results can account for all of the hearing abnormalities associated with the Tectb mutation, as follows. By reducing the spatial extent of TM waves, the Tectb mutation decreases spread of excitation and thereby increases frequency selectivity at mid- to high frequencies. Furthermore, the decrease in Tectb TM wave velocity at low frequencies reduces the number of hair cells that effectively couple energy to the basilar membrane, which thereby reduces sensitivity. © 2011 American Institute of Physics.