Abstract
In 1992, Allen and Fahey suggested a method of estimating “cochlear amplifier” (CA) gain by employing simultaneous measurement of auditory nerve fibers and acoustic distortion products (DP). Their conclusion that CA gain must be less than 6 dB, based on their measurements in a cat, has been controversial. We have simulated the retrograde propagation of distortion in a nonlinear, active, one-dimensional model of cochlear mechanics. We conclude, based on results of this model, that the Allen-Fahey paradigm does not provide accurate estimates of CA gain.