Discharge Rates of Auditory-Nerve Fibers in Response to Electric and Acoustic Stimuli

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Abstract
Responses of single auditory-nerve fibers in anesthetized cats were studied using electric and acoustic stimuli. Shocks a few decibels above threshold delivered through stimulating electrodes placed on or in the cochlea elicit responses with latencies that are both short (0.5 msec) and stable as compared with responses to acoustic clicks. For sufficiently high shock levels a one-to-one ratio of spikes to shocks can be maintained for several minutes at rates as high as 500/sec. The responses of single fibers to tones at the characteristic frequency (CF) cannot be maintained at rates higher than about 200/sec even at maximally effective stimulus levels. These results indicate that the maximum maintained rate of discharge under acoustic stimulation is not limited by the capabilities of the axon. [Work supported by NIH grants, the Joint Service Electronics Program, and a NASA grant.]

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