Resonant modes of otoacoustic emissions

Abstract

The TOAE signals were decomposed into basic components by means of matching pursuit algorithm. The resonant modes characteristic for each person/ear were identified. High time-frequency resolution of the method and parametric representation of the waveforms made possible estimation of the frequency ratios of the resonant modes. The repetitive occurrence of the "fifth", "fourths" and octaves connected with the Pythagorean temperament was found. Significance of the results was confirmed by comparison to Monte Carlo simulations of the null hypothesis of random distribution of frequency modes. These findings support the resonance theory of hearing, which binds musical ratios with the geometrical spacing of outer hair cells in cochlea.