This book contains the proceedings of an intenational hearing-research conference held in Germany 2002. The conference brought together experts in genetics, molecular and cellular biology, physiology, engineering, physics, mathematics, audiology and medicine to synthesize and extend our understanding of how the cochlea works. Topics are discussed experimentally and theoretically at the molecular, cellular and whole-organ levels. Some of the topics are: mechanosensitivity of motor proteins; mechanochemical transduction by motor proteins; mechanoelectrical transduction in the stereocilia of...

This SHAR volume serves to expand, supplement, and update the original "Cochlea" volume in the series. The book aims to highlight the power of diverse modern approaches in cochlear research by focusing on advances in those fields over the last two decades. It also provides insights into where cochlear research is going, including new hearing prostheses for the deaf that will most likely soon enter the phase of clinical trials. The book will appeal to a broad, interdisciplinary readership, including neuroscientists and clinicians in addition to the more specific auditory community.