Summating potential (SP) tuning curves

Two methods were used to extract frequency specific information from the gross d.c. cochlear potential, the summating potential (SP). The first approach was to derive SP tuning curves using a two-tone simultaneous masking procedure; the second to obtain SP iso-response functions. The influence of various parameter changes on the configuration of these functions was also investigated. While SP tuning curves measured using the two-tone paradigm have higher Q10 dB values than SP iso-response functions in the base of the cochlea, the latter have the advantage of avoiding contamination by various nonlinear phenomena which are inherent in the simultaneous tone-on-tone masking procedure. Since SP tuning curves are similar to those for basilar membrane motion (Sellick, P.M., Patuzzi, R. and Johnstone, B.M. (1982): J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 72, 131-141) and the whole nerve action potential (AP) (Cheatham, M.A. and Dallos, P. (1979): J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 65, S13), nearly the same degree of tuning may be reflected at these peripheral recording locations.