Abstract
Modelling is an established alternative to in vivo audiometry. We produced finite element models (FEM) of hearing in minke (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) and humpback (Megaptera novaeangliae) whales and frequency place maps (FPMs; total hearing ranges) for these species plus right (Eubalaeglacialis) and blue (Balaenoptera musculus) whales with control data for bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) and harbor porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) Anatomically derived FPMs were obtained from microCT scans, basilar membrane histology, and nanoindentation stiffness measurements. FEM simulations of frequency response peak sensitivities used middle ear transfer function (METF) and laser Doppler measurements of stapes footplate velocities. Frequency responses were measured for stimuli at bone versus tympanic membrane/glove finger sites to assess most sensitive input locations. Odontocetes had a high pass response with corner frequencies from 10 kHz to 30 kHz. Response frequencies extended to 125 kHz, the limit of our measurement capability. Mysticetes had a bandpass response characterized by peak sensitivity from 0.5 kHz to 2 kHz for stimuli at the glove finger. Preliminary audiograms show peak responses differ among baleen whale species but were generally between 20 Hz and 5 kHz with functional hearing ranges of 50 Hz–35 kHz for tested species. [Work supported by the Joint Industry Programme on Sound and Marine Life.]
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