Goldman-hodgkin-katz cochlear hair cell models - a foundation for nonlinear cochlear mechanics

This theoretical contribution highlights the need for a nonlinear electrophysical hair cell model, since hair cell behaviour is what underlies important hearing phenomena, especially nonlinear cochlear mechanics. It is shown that a new nonlinear Goldman-Hodgkin-Katz (GHK) model of a cell membrane can lead to a more natural analysis of cell behaviour. In particular, instead of having to assume values for reversal potentials and internal ionic concentrations, it then becomes possible to calculate them from the boundary conditions, such as potentials and external ionic concentrations, which are usually known a priori. The new model also naturally includes nonlinear resistances, reversal potentials and membrane capacitance. The values of these nonlinear elements naturally adjust according to the known and derived potentials and ion concentrations.