Asymptotic analysis of a viscous cochlear model

Abstract

A model of cochlear macromechanics, involving a viscous cochlear fluid, is analyzed asymptotically for slowly varying membranes. The results exhibit the effect of viscosity on the amplitude, wavelength, and damping rate, and confirm the conclusion that viscosity is not important. However the method can be used on other models, such as those of cochlear micromechanics, where viscosity is more important.