A non-linear delayed resonator for mimicking the hearing haircells

Abstract The auditory system possesses remarkable characteristics: super sensitivity and frequency selectivity. However, these traits come at the cost of non-fidelity due to non-linear effects.The culprit behind this active behavior is likely the haircells, as suggested by some in vivo observations and theoretical studies. These haircells appear to operate as non-linear oscillators near a Hopf bifurcation. In this article, we experimentally design a single delayed Hopf resonator to examine its dynamic responses and uncover striking parallels with the human ear. After a systematic characterization of this resonator, we experimentally verify on this single resonator two non-linear phenomena that mimic hearing distortions. This provides further support for hearing models based on Hopf bifurcation.