Determination of Otolith Afferent Response Parameters Using Small Amplitude Sinusoidal Roll and Pitch Tilts

Previous investigations of the response properties of afferent neurons innervating the otolith organs of the inner ear have used experimental protocols which required the rotation of an animal through a full 3600 about its roll and pitch axes. These are difficult experiments since recordings from individual neurons must be maintained throughout the course of the rotations. This paper describes an alternative method which permits the calculation of otolith neuron response parameters from data collected during small amplitude sinusoidal roll and pitch tilts. The effectiveness of this technique is demonstrated by analyzing a variety of simulated afferent responses to sinusoidal tilts. This method facilitates the practical determination of otolith properties as well as simplifying the procedures prerequisite to the testing of otolith dynamic response characteristics.