Errors in the Assumptions of Bekesy's Traveling Wave Theory

Abstract

This article examines the fundamental statements of Bekesy's traveling wave theory in hearing and proposes an updated perspective on auditory information processing mechanisms. It argues that the traditional theory does not adequately account for non-mammalian auditory mechanisms, as many species effectively perceive sound without a basilar membrane or cochlear fluids. It suggests alternative pathways for sound signal reception directly to the receptor, bypassing traditional structures like the basilar membrane. This reevaluation raises significant doubts about the resonance capability and the actual role of the basilar membrane in hearing, suggesting that current understandings of auditory processing may be fundamentally limited and not universally applicable across different species.