ABSTRACT
In 1950s the function of the cochlea seemed to be understood, and it appeared logical to reexamine the function of the middle ear that controls directly the input to the cochlea. I suspected that the middle ear contributed substantially to the shape of the overall transfer function of the ear, which must affect the auditory sensitivity as a function of sound frequency. Békésy’s (1960) measurements on this subject were ambiguous. As in every other transmission system, the function of the middle ear depends on its load which, in its case, is provided by the input impedance of the cochlea. Békésy (1960) measured it on cadaver ears, and I calculated it with the help of my theory of cochlear mechanics (Zwislocki-Moscicki, 1946, 1948). I also reinterpreted Békésy’s empirical results that appeared to contain a methodological flaw. After the reinterpretation, his results became consistent with the theoretical ones. This set the stage for a comprehensive study of the middle ear.
