Acoustic distortion products from the cochlea of the blind African mole rat, Cryptomys spec.

The measurement of distortion-product otoacoustic emissions is a noninvasive method that can be used for assessing the sensitivity and the frequency tuning of nonlinear cochlear mechanics. During stimulation with two pure tones f1 and f2, the acoustic 2f1-f2 distortion was recorded in the ear canal of Cryptomys spec. to study specializations in cochlear mechanics that could be associated with the presence of a frequency expanded cochlear region between 0.8–1 kHz. In addition, a distortion threshold curve was obtained which describes relative threshold of nonlinear cochlear mechanics. Sensitive distortion thresholds could be measured for stimulus frequencies between 0.4 to 18 kHz with a broad minimum between 0.75 to 2.5 kHz. The distortion threshold curve extends to higher frequencies than previous neuronal data indicated.As a measure of mechanical tuning sharpness in the cochlea, suppression tuning curves of 2f1-f2 were recorded. The tuning curves reflected the typical mammalian pattern with shallow low frequency and steep high frequency slopes. Their tuning sharpness was poor with Q10dB values between 0.3 and 1.88. In the range of the frequency expanded region, the Q10dB values were below 0.5. This finding emphasizes that the presence of frequency expansion does not necessarily lead to enhanced mechanical tuning in the cochlea and one has to consider if in certain bat species with cochlear frequency expansion and particularly sharp cochlear tuning, the two phenomena may not be interlinked.Abbreviations CF constant frequency component of echolocation call - STC suppression tuning curve     

Evolutionary adaptations of cochlear function in Jamaican mormoopid bats

Mormoopid bat species have their echolocation system adapted to different hunting strategies. To study the corresponding mechanical properties of their inner ear, we measured distortion-product otoacoustic emissions to assess cochlear sensitivity and tuning. Mormoops blainvillii, Pteronotus macleayii and P. quadridens use frequency-modulated echolocation signals, sometimes preceded by a short narrowband signal component. Their distortion-product otoacoustic emission-threshold curves are most sensitive between 30 and 50 kHz and show no adaptation to the narrowband echolocation components. In contrast, the constant-frequency bat P. parnellii always uses long constant-frequency call components. Its inner ear is maximally sensitive at 62 kHz, the echo-frequency of the dominant constant-frequency component, and pronounced insensitivities at 61 and 93 kHz (CF2 and CF3 call frequency) are the major evolutionary change in comparison to its relatives. Furthermore, in P. parnellii, the optimum cochlear frequency separation is minimal at 62 and 93 kHz, associated with enhanced cochlear tuning, while for the other mormoopids there is no indication of enhanced tuning. The phylogeny of mormoopids, assessed by mitochondrial DNA analysis, shows a close relationship between the Pteronotus species. This suggests that major cochlear redesign, associated with the acquisition of echolocation-call specific cochlear processing in P. parnellii, has occurred within a relatively short evolutionary time scale. Accepted: 30 April 1999     

Labile cochlear tuning in the mustached bat

Summary Acoustic stimuli near 60 kHz elicit pronounced resonance in the cochlea of the mustached bat (Pteronotus parnellii parnellii). The cochlear resonance frequency (CRF) is near the second harmonic, constant frequency (CF2) component of the bat's biosonar signals. Within narrow bands where CF2 and third harmonic (CF3) echoes are maintained, the cochlea has sharp tuning characteristics that are conserved throughout the central auditory system. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of temperature-related shifts in the CRF on the tuning properties of neurons in the cochlear nucleus and inferior colliculus.Eighty-two single and multi-unit recordings were characterizedin 6 awake bats with chronically implanted cochlear microphonic electrodes. As the CRF changed with body temperature, the tuning curves of neurons sharply tuned to frequencies near the CF2 and CF3 shifted with the CRF in every case, yielding a change in the unit's best frequency. The results show that cochlear tuning is labile in the mustached bat, and that this lability produces tonotopic shifts in the frequency response of central auditory neurons. Furthermore, results provide evidence of shifts in the frequency-to-place code within the sharply tuned CF2 and CF3 regions of the cochlea. In conjunction with the finding that biosonar emission frequency and the CRF shift concomitantly with temperature and flight, it is concluded that the adjustment of biosonar signals accommodates the shifts in cochlear and neural tuning that occur with active echolocation.Abbreviations BF best frequency - CF characteristic frequency - CF2, CF3 second and third harmonic, constant frequency components of the biosonar signal - CM cochlear microphonic - CN cochlear nucleus - CRF cochlear resonance frequency - IC inferior colliculus - MT minimum threshold - OAE otoacoustic emission - Q_10dB BF (or CF) divided by the response bandwidth at 10 dB above MT     

大蹄蝠回声定位信号特征与下丘神经元频率调谐

采用超声监测仪录制超声信号和细胞外电生理记录下丘神经元的频率调谐曲线(frequency tuningcurqes,FTCs)的方法,探讨了大蹄蝠(Hipposideros armiger)回声定位信号与下丘(inferior colliculus,IC)神经元频率调谐之间的相关性.结果发现,大蹄蝠回声定位叫声为恒频-调频(consrant frequency-frequenevmodulated,CF-FM)信号,一般含有2-3个谐波,第二谐波为其主频,cF成分频率(Mean±SD,n=18)依次为:(33.3 4±0.2)、(66.5±0.3)、(99.4 4±0.5)kHz;电生理实验共获得72个神经元的频率调谐曲线,Q10-dB值的范围是0.5-95.4(9.2±14.6,rg=72),最佳频率(best frequency,BF)在回声定位主频附近的神经元具有尖锐的频率调谐特性.结果表明,大蹄蝠回声定位信号与下丘神经元频率调谐存在相关性,表现为最佳频率在回声定位信号主频附近的神经元频率调谐曲线的Q10-dB值较大,具有很强的频率分析能力.     

Resonance phenomena in the cochlea of the mustache bat and their contribution to neuronal response characteristics in the cochlear nucleus

Summary The cochlea of the mustache bat, Pteronotus parnellii, is very sensitive and sharply tuned to the frequency range of the dominant second harmonic of the echolocation call around 61 kHz. About 900 Hz above this frequency the cochlear microphonic potential (CM) reaches its maximum amplitude and lowest threshold. At exactly the same frequency, pronounced evoked otoacoustic emissions (OAE) can be measured in the outer ear canal, indicating mechanical resonance. The CM amplitude maximum and the OAE are most severely masked by simultaneous exposure to tones within the range from about 61–62 kHz up to about 70 kHz. The data suggest that the mechanism of mechanical resonance involves cochlear loci basal to the 61 kHz position.The resonance contributes to auditory sensitivity and sharp tuning: At the frequency of the OAE, single unit responses in the cochlear nucleus have the lowest thresholds. Maximum tuning sharpness occurs at frequencies about 300 Hz below the OAE-frequency, where the threshold is about 10 dB less sensitive than at the OAE-frequency. In addition, in the frequency range around the OAE-frequency several specialized neuronal response features can be related to mechanical resonance: Long lasting excitation after the end of the stimulus, asymmetrical tuning curves with a shallow high frequency slope and phasic on-off neuronal response patterns. In particular the latter phenomenon indicates the occurrence of local mechanical cancellations in the cochlea.Abbreviations CF constant frequency component of echolocation calls - CM cochlear microphonic potential - FM frequency modulated component of echolocation calls - N1 compound action potential of the auditory nerve - OAE octoacoustic emission - SEOAE synchronous evoked OAE     

Cochlear sensitivity in the lesser spear-nosed bat, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Phyllostomus discolor</Emphasis>

Behavioral auditory thresholds of Phyllostomus discolor are characterized by two threshold minima separated by an insensitive region at about 55 kHz (Esser and Daucher 1996). To investigate whether these characteristics are due to cochlear properties, we recorded distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) and calculated relative DPOAE threshold curves, which proved to be a good measure of cochlear sensitivity. Our results indicate that in P. discolor, cochlear sensitivity, as assessed by DPOAE recordings, does not show a threshold maximum at 55 kHz. The DPOAE threshold curves display an absolute minimum at approximately 30 kHz, and from that frequency region, the threshold continuously increases without any pronounced irregularities. The frequency tuning properties of the cochlea, as assessed by DPOAE suppression tuning curves (STCs) reveal broad filter bandwidths with Q10dB values between 3.4 and 10.7. There are no frequency-specific specializations of cochlear tuning. The characteristic pattern of subsequent threshold maxima and minima at high frequencies observed in behavioral studies seems to be shaped by transfer characteristics of the outer ear and/or neuronal processing in the ascending auditory pathway rather than by cochlear mechanics.     

两种同域分布蹄蝠在开阔度不同的环境中回声定位声波的可塑性

在广西桂林研究了同域分布的大蹄蝠(Hipposideros armiger)和中蹄蝠(H.larvatus)在不同开阔度环境中回声定位声波信号的变化。用超声波仪录制自由悬挂和分别释放于人工"大棚"和"小棚"内飞行的蝙蝠的回声定位声波,使用超声分析软件分析声脉冲时程、主频率及声脉冲间隔,通过重复测量方差分析比较不同状态下的声波参数。结果表明:中蹄蝠声波的主频在悬挂状态下最高,小棚内飞行时次之,大棚内飞行最低;两种蹄蝠声波的脉冲时程和脉冲间隔在悬挂状态下最长,大棚内飞行次之,小棚内飞行最低。总之,这两种蹄蝠的回声定位声波能够随所处状态的变化而变化,可根据生境的复杂度调节声讯号,具有明显的声波可塑性。     

Frequency discrimination threshold at search call frequencies in the echolocating bat, Eptesicus fuscus

While searching for prey in open spaces, Epteisicus fuscus emits long-duration, downward frequency-modulated calls which cover a frequency band of about 28-22 kHz. In the ascending auditory pathways of E. fuscus, neurons tuned to these search call frequencies are characterised by a remarkably high frequency selectivity and very sensitive absolute thresholds. We investigated whether this narrow tuning is reflected in an exceptional psychoacoustic frequency discrimination ability. The average frequency difference limen of E. fuscus at search call frequencies determined in a two-alternative, forced-choice experiment amounted to about 420 Hz, corresponding to a Weber ratio of 0.017. This value is similar to those found in non-echolocating mammals, and an order of magnitude larger than the frequency difference limens of bats emitting constant-frequency call components. We discuss these differences in frequency difference limen, and relate them to different echolocation strategies.     

Distortion-product otoacoustic emissions from the tympanic organ in two noctuoid moths

Distortion-product otoacoustic emissions were measured from the tympanic organ of Ascalapha odorata (Noctuidae, Erebinae) and Empyreuma affinis (=pugione) (Arctiidae, Ctenuchinae) during stimulation with two pure tones of different frequency ( f1, f2) within a frequency range between 5 and 60 kHz. The cubic distortion-product that appears at a frequency of 2f1-f2 showed the largest amplitude and could be used to obtain “distortion audiograms”. In such audiograms, the maximal distortion-product otoacoustic emission levels were measured for stimulus frequencies that correspond to lowest A1-cell thresholds in each of the two species. Newly emerged E. affinis showed very low levels of the 2f1-f2 distortion, most of which were within the noise range. In contrast to vertebrate distortion-product otoacoustic emissions, in neither of the species could an optimum f2/f1 ratio be easily defined, and small ratios were sufficient to induce the distortions. We conclude that the ears of the two moth species exhibit distinctly non-linear mechanical properties. Distortion-product otoacoustic emissions are a good non-invasive method for studying the spectral response characteristics of the mechanics of their auditory organs, despite the fact that their morphological characteristics are very different from those in vertebrates. Accepted: 3 July 1998     

The cochlear frequency map of the mustache bat,Pteronotus parnellii

The frequency-place map of the cochlea of mustache bats was constructed by the analysis of HRP-transport patterns in spiral ganglion cells following iontophoretic tracer injections into cochlear nucleus regions responsive to different frequencies. The cochlea consists of 5 half turns (total length 14.3 mm) and the representation of certain frequency bands can be assigned to specific cochlear regions: The broad high frequency range between 70 and 111 kHz is represented in the most basal half turn within only 3.2 mm. This region is terminated apically by a distinct narrowing of the scala vestibuli that coincides with a pronounced increase in basilar membrane (BM) thickness. The narrow intermediate frequency range between 54 and 70 kHz is expanded onto 50% of cochlear length between 4.0 and 11.1 mm distance from apex. The frequency range around 60 kHz, where the tuning characteristics of the auditory system are exceptionally sharp, is located in the center of this expanded BM-region in the second half turn within a maximum of innervation density. These data can account for the vast overrepresentation of neurons sharply tuned to about 60 kHz at central stations of the auditory pathway. In the cochlear region just basal to the innervation maximum, where label from injections at 66 and 70 kHz was found, a number of morphological specializations coincide: the BM is maximally thickened, innervation density is low, the spiral ligament is locally enlarged, and the 'thick lining', a dense covering of the scala tympani throughout the basal halfturn, suddenly disappears. Low frequencies up to 54 kHz are represented within the apical half turns over a 4 mm span of the basilar membrane. The data are compared to the cochlea of horseshoe bats and the possible functional role of the morphological discontinuities for sharp tuning and the generation of otoacoustic emissions is discussed.     

Evolutionary aspects of bat echolocation

This review is yet another attempt to explain how echolocation in bats or bat-like mammals came into existence. Attention is focused on neuronal specializations in the ascending auditory pathway of echolocating bats. Three different mechanisms are considered that may create a specific auditory sensitivity to echos: (1). time-windows of enhanced echo-processing opened by a corollary discharge of neuronal vocalization commands; (2). differentiation and expansion of ensembles of combination-sensitive neurons in the midbrain; and (3). corticofugal top-down modulations. The second part of the review interprets three different types of echolocation as adaptations to ecological niches, and presents the sophisticated cochlear specializations in constant-frequency/frequency-modulated bats as a case study of finely tuned differentiation. It is briefly discussed how a resonant mechanism in the inner ear of constant-frequency/frequency-modulated bats may have evolved in common mammalian cochlea.     

Ontogenesis of the echolocation system in the rufous horseshoe bat,Rhinolophus rouxi (Audition and vocalization in early postnatal development)

1. The development of vocalization and hearing was studied in Sri Lankan horseshoe bats (Rhinolophus rouxi) during the first postnatal month. The young bats were caught in a nursing colony of rhinolophids in which birth took place within a two week period. 2. The new-born bats emitted isolation calls through the mouth. At the beginning these calls consisted of pure tones with frequencies below 10 kHz (Fig. 1). During the first postnatal week the call frequency increased to about 15 kHz, and the fundamental was augmented by two to four harmonics. No evoked potentials to pure tone stimuli could be elicited in the inferior colliculus of this age group, i.e., auditory processing at the midbrain level was not demonstrable. 3. Evoked potentials were first recorded in the second week, broadly tuned to 15-45 kHz, with a maximum sensitivity between 15-25 kHz. In the course of the second week, however, higher frequencies up to 60 kHz became progressively incorporated into the audiogram (Fig. 3). The fundamental frequency of the multiharmonic isolation calls, emitted strictly through the mouth, increased to about 20 kHz. 4. In the bats' third postnatal week an increased hearing sensitivity (auditory filter) emerged, sharply tuned at frequencies between 57 and 60 kHz (Fig. 4e). The same individuals were also the first to emit long constant frequency echolocation calls through the nostrils (Fig. 4c). The energy of the calls was arranged in harmonic frequency bands with the second harmonic exactly tuned to the auditory filter. These young bats continued to emit isolation calls through the mouth, which were, however, not harmonically related to the echolocation calls (Fig. 4b, d). 5. During the fourth week, both the auditory filter and the matched echolocation pulses (the second harmonic) shifted towards higher frequencies (Fig. 5). During the fifth week the fundamental frequency of the calls was progressively attenuated, and both the second harmonic of the pulses and the auditory filter reached the frequency range typical for adult bats of 73-78 kHz (Fig. 6). 6. The development of audition and vocalization is discussed with regard to possible interactions of both subsystems, and their incorporation into the active orientation system of echolocation.     

Echolocation and obstacle avoidance in the hipposiderid batAsellia tridens

Summary The echolocation sounds of the hipposiderid batAsellia tridens consist of a constant frequency (cf) component followed by a frequency modulated (fm) terminal downward sweep of 19–21 kHz. The cf-part constitutes about 7/10 of the entire signal. In individual roosting animals the frequencies of the cf-part of consecutive sounds (resting frequency) is kept very constant but varies from bat to bat. In 18Asellia tridens resting frequencies between 111–124 kHz have been measured.The sound duration in roosting and free flying bats is between 7–10 ms. In the approach and terminal phase of bats landing on a perch or flying through obstacles, the sound duration is reduced and the repetition rate increased the nearer the bat approaches the target. At the end of the terminal phase sound durations of a minimum of 3 ms have been measured. Flying bats lower their emission frequency in order to compensate for Doppler shifts caused by the flight movement. The echofrequency is therefore kept constant about 150–200 Hz above the resting frequency.In flights through obstacles consisting of vertically stretched wires with different diameters, the bats were able to avoid wires down to a diameter of 0.065 mm whereas at 0.05 mm the percentage of flights without collisions is far below the chance level. The results demonstrate that the echolocation behavior of the hipposiderid batAsellia tridens does not differ fundamentally from that of rhinolophid bats. As a result, a new suggestion for categorization of bats producing cf-fm orientation sounds is put forward.Abbreviations cf constant frequency component - fm frequency modulated component - P probability of collision-free flights through an obstacle of ertically tretched wires - I interval between wires - D minimal diameter of a bat with folded wings; , angle at which a bat approaches an obstacle - f _A frequency of the cf-component of the emitted sound - f _E frequency of the cf-component of the echo - f _M frequency of the cf-component of the sounds recorded with the microphone - c speed of sound Supported by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft grant no. Schn 138/6-9We thank W. Hollerbach for technical assistance.     

Moth hearing in response to bat echolocation calls manipulated independently in time and frequency

We measured the auditory responses of the noctuid moth Noctua pronuba to bat echolocation calls which were manipulated independently in time and frequency. Such manipulations are important in understanding how insect hearing influences the evolution of echolocation call characteristics. We manipulated the calls of three bat species (Rhinolophus hipposideros, Myotis nattereri and Pipistrellus pipistrellus) that use different echolocation call features by doubling their duration or reducing their frequency, and measured the auditory thresholds from the A1 cells of the moths. Knowing the auditory responses of the moth we tested three predictions. (i) The ranking of the audibility of unmanipulated calls to the moths should be predictable from their temporal and/or frequency structure. This was supported. (ii) Doubling the duration of the calls should increase their audibility by ca. 3 dB for all species. Their audibility did indeed increase by 2.1-3.5 dB. (iii) Reducing the frequency of the calls would increase their audibility for all species. Reducing the frequency had small effects for the two bat species which used short duration (2.7-3.6 ms) calls. However, the relatively long-duration (50 ms), largely constant-frequency calls of R. hipposideros increased in audibility by 21.6 dB when their frequency was halved. Time and frequency changes influence the audibility of calls to tympanate moths in different ways according to call design. Large changes in frequency and time had relatively small changes on the audibility of calls for short, largely broadband calls. Channelling energy into the second harmonic of the call substantially decreased the audibility of calls for bats which use long-duration, constant-frequency components in echolocation calls. We discuss our findings in the contexts of the evolution of both bat echolocation call design and the potential responses of insects which hear ultrasound.     

Fast Reverse Propagation of Sound in the Living Cochlea

The auditory sensory organ, the cochlea, not only detects but also generates sounds. Such sounds, otoacoustic emissions, are widely used for diagnosis of hearing disorders and to estimate cochlear nonlinearity. However, the fundamental question of how the otoacoustic emission exits the cochlea remains unanswered. In this study, emissions were provoked by two tones with a constant frequency ratio, and measured as vibrations at the basilar membrane and at the stapes, and as sound pressure in the ear canal. The propagation direction and delay of the emission were determined by measuring the phase difference between basilar membrane and stapes vibrations. These measurements show that cochlea-generated sound arrives at the stapes earlier than at the measured basilar membrane location. Data also show that basilar membrane vibration at the emission frequency is similar to that evoked by external tones. These results conflict with the backward-traveling-wave theory and suggest that at low and intermediate sound levels, the emission exits the cochlea predominantly through the cochlear fluids.     

Specializations for aerial hawking in the echolocation system of<Emphasis Type="Italic"> Molossus molossus</Emphasis> (Molossidae,Chiroptera)

While searching for prey, Molossus molossus broadcasts narrow-band calls of 11.42 ms organized in pairs of pulses that alternate in frequency. The first signal of the pair is at 34.5 kHz, the second at 39.6 kHz. Pairs of calls with changing frequencies were only emitted when the interpulse intervals were below 200 ms. Maximum duty cycles during search phase are close to 20%. Frequency alternation of search calls is interpreted as a mechanism for increasing duty cycle and thus the temporal continuity of scanning, as well as increasing the detection range. A neurophysiological correlate for the processing of search calls was found in the inferior colliculus. 64% of neurons respond to frequencies in the 30- to 40-kHz range and only in this frequency range were closed tuning curves found for levels below 40 dB SPL. In addition, 15% of the neurons have double-tuned frequency-threshold curves with best thresholds at 34 and 39 kHz. Differing from observations in other bats, approach calls of M. molossus are longer and of higher frequencies than search calls. Close to the roost, the call frequency is increased to 45.0–49.8 kHz and, in addition, extremely broadband signals are emitted. This demonstrates high plasticity of call design.Abbreviations BF best frequency - CF constant frequency - IC inferior colliculus - F_max maximal frequency - F_min minimal frequency - PF peak frequency - PSTH post-stimulus time histogram - QCF quasi-constant frequency - SPL sound pressure level     

Peripheral auditory tuning for fine frequency analysis by the CF-FM bat,Rhinolophus ferrumequinum

Summary For echolocation,Rhinolophus ferrumequinum emits orientation sounds, each of which consists of a long constant-frequency (CF) component and short frequency-modulated (FM) components. The CF component is about 83 kHz and is used for Doppler-shift compensation. In this bat, single auditory nerve fibers and cochlear nuclear neurons tuned at about 83 kHz show low threshold and very sharp filter characteristics. The slopes of their tuning curves ranged between 1,000 and 3,500 dB/octave and their Q-10 dB values were between 20 and 400, 140 on the average (Figs. 3–5). The peripheral auditory system is apparently specialized for the reception and fine frequency analysis of the CF component in orientation sounds and Doppler-shift compensated echoes. This specialization is not due to suppression or inhibition comparable to lateral inhibition, but due to the mechanical specialization of the cochlea. Peripheral auditory neurons with the best frequency between 77 and 87 kHz showed not only on-responses, but also off-responses to tonal stimuli (Figs. 1, 2, and 6). The off-responses with a latency comparable to that of N₁-off were not due to a rebound from either suppression or inhibition, but probably due to a mechanical transient occurring in the cochlea at the cessation of a tone burst.We thank Alexander von Humboldt Stiftung, Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (Grant No. Ne146/6-8), Stiftung Volkswagenwerk (Grant No. 111858), and American National Science Foundation (Grant No. 40018 and BMS 75-17077) for their support for our cooperative work.     

Frequency tuning and response latencies at three levels in the brainstem of the echolocating bat,Eptesicus fuscus

To determine the level at which certain response characteristics originate, we compared monaural auditory responses of neurons in ventral cochlear nucleus, nuclei of lateral lemniscus and inferior colliculus. Characteristics examined were sharpness of frequency tuning, latency variability for individual neurons and range of latencies across neurons.Exceptionally broad tuning curves were found in the nuclei of the lateral lemniscus, while exceptionally narrow tuning curves were found in the inferior colliculus. Neither specialized tuning characteristic was found in the ventral cochlear nuclei.All neurons in the columnar division of the ventral nucleus of the lateral lemniscus maintained low variability of latency over a broad range of stimulus conditions. Some neurons in the cochlear nucleus (12%) and some in the inferior colliculus (15%) had low variability in latency but only at best frequency.Range of latencies across neurons was small in the ventral cochlear nucleus (1.3–5.7 ms), intermediate in the nuclei of the lateral lemniscus (1.7–19.8 ms) and greatest in the inferior colliculus (2.9–42.0 ms).We conclude that, in the nuclei of the lateral lemniscus and in the inferior colliculus, unique tuning and timing properties are built up from ascending inputs.Abbreviations AVCN anteroventral cochlear nucleus - BF best frequency - CV coefficient of variation - DCN dorsal cochlear nucleus - FM frequency modulation - IC inferior colliculus - NLL nuclei of lateral lemniscus - PSTH post stimulus time histogram - PVCN posteroventral cochlear nucleus - SD standard deviation - SPL sound pressure level - VCN ventral cochlear nuclei - VNLLc ventral nucleus of the lateral lemniscus, columnar division     

Low-frequency distortion product otoacoustic emissions in two species of kangaroo rats: implications for auditory sensitivity

Low-frequency distortion-product otoacoustic emissions were measured in two species of kangaroo rats to test the prediction that a large footdrumming species (e.g., Dipodomys spectabilis) would have greater distortion-product otoacoustic emission amplitude than a small non-footdrumming species (e.g., Dipodomys merriami), indicating better hearing sensitivity at low frequencies. Equal-level (65 dB SPL) stimulus tones (f ₁, f ₂), presented over a (f ₁) range of 200–1000 Hz, were used to evoke the 2f ₁–f ₂ distortion-product otoacoustic emission. Mean 2f ₁–f ₂ levels for D. merriami showed good correspondence to previously published audiograms for that species. Mean 2f ₁–f ₂ levels and 95% confidence intervals indicated species differences below 400 Hz, supporting the theory that low-frequency hearing sensitivity is better in large kangaroo rat species. These results suggest that the size-related divergence in footdrumming behavior may be related to differential auditory sensitivity.Abbreviations DPOAE distortion-product otoacoustic emission - OAE otoacoustic emission - PVC polyvinyl chloride     

The effect of preceding sonar emission on temporal integration in the bat, Megaderma lyra

The present study investigated whether and to which extent temporal integration in bats is influenced by echolocation behavior. One way to quantify temporal integration is to measure the detection threshold for a pair of short tone pips as a function of the temporal separation between the pips. To asses the effect of preceding sonar emission on temporal integration in the bat, Megaderma lyra, the detection thresholds of identical subjects were measured in a passive as well as in an active paradigm. In the passive paradigm, the presentation of the pip pairs was independent of the bats' sonar emissions; in the active paradigm, the presentation was triggered by the bats' sonar emissions. In both cases, the bats showed a very short integration time in the range of 100-200 micros. Moreover, the comparison of the active and passive results within each bat revealed no systematic differences in the two measuring paradigms. These results indicate that temporal integration is not influenced by echolocation. Simulations with a computer model of cochlear filtering based on measurements of M. lyra cochlear tuning suggest that the perceptual temporal integration is dominated by the integration of the cochlear filters.