Cochlear physiology and ultrastucture

A prominent area of my research concerns the physiology of the sensory receptor cells (the hair cells) of the mammalian hearing organ (the cochlea) and how they communicate with the sensory neurons of the spiral ganglion at specialized synapses. To overcome the practical difficulties in gaining access to this system, we have developed a procedure to isolate the inner ear from the skull and maintain it in short-term culture. The use of the intact hearing organ is necessary to preserve the synaptic connections. Experiments using fluorescent indicators of intracellular sodium and calcium have recently shown how hair cell homeostasis can be maintained in vitro. Biophysical modeling has been used to understand how experimental artifacts and culture conditions affect hair cell function, including their responses to stimuli.

e-mail Dr. Siegel
ph: 847.491.2454
fax: 847.491.2523

• Ohlemiller, K.K. and Siegel, J.H. (1994) Cochlear basal and apical differences reflected in the effects of cooling on responses single auditory nerve fibers. Hearing Research 80: 174-190.

• Siegel, J.H. and Hirohata, E.T. (1994) Sound calibration and distortion product otoacoustic emissions at high frequencies. Hearing Research 80: 146-152.

• Siegel, J.H. (1992) Spontaneous synaptic potentials from afferent terminals in the guinea pig cochlea. Hearing Research 59: 85-92.

Other Links:

• Northwestern University School of Speech