Cochlear hydrodynamics refers to the fluid mechanics within the cochlea, crucial for the transduction of sound waves into neural signals. The movement of cochlear fluids, primarily perilymph and endolymph, facilitates the activation of hair cells, which convert mechanical energy into electrical impulses sent to the brain.
Cochlear function refers to the ability of the cochlea, a spiral-shaped organ in the inner ear, to transform sound waves into electrical signals that the brain can interpret as sound. This process involves the intricate interaction of hair cells, fluid dynamics, and neural pathways to facilitate hearing and balance.