We present the first simultaneous sound pressure measurements in scala vestibuli and
scala tympani of the cochlea in human cadaveric temporal bones. The technique we
employ, which exploits microscale fiberoptic pressure sensors, enables the study of
differential sound pressure at the cochlear base. This differential pressure is the input to the
cochlear partition, driving cochlear waves and auditory transduction. In our results, the
sound pressure in scala vestibuli (P SV) was much greater than scala tympani pressure (P …

We present the first simultaneous sound pressure measurements in scala vestibuli and
scala tympani of the cochlea in human cadaveric temporal bones. Micro-scale fiberoptic
pressure sensors enabled the study of differential sound pressure at the cochlear base. This
differential pressure is the input to the cochlear partition, driving cochlear waves and
auditory transduction. Results showed that: pressure of scala vestibuli was much greater
than scala tympani except at low and high frequencies where scala tympani pressure affects …