Figure 5. A three dimensional model of the cochlea predicts the correct delays.

(a–c) The result from a cochlear model, which allows fast transmission of energy in the cochlear fluid. Due to negligible delay resulted from the fast wave, the ringing response reaches its peak at a time equal to the cochlear traveling wave delay from the stapes to the best-frequency location (τ). Laser pulse was focused on the bead (a), at a location ~50 μm basal (b) or apical (c) to the bead. (d) Predicted acoustical impulse-induced response. Except for the lack of the initial peak, the response reaches the maximum at time 1τ and is very similar to the laser-induced response.