All of the above. Displacement of a bundle of stereocillia towards the tallest stereocilium causes depolarization. Displacement of a bundle of stereocillia towards the shortest stereocilium causes hyperpolarization. Increased tension on the stereocillia opens ion channels located on the stereocilia. There are parallel pathways for processing specific features of auditory information.
Tonotopic organization is preserved.
There is extensive interaction of information from both ears. Meniere's disease affects both the vestibular and the auditory system, resulting in vertigo and hearing loss. Meniere's disease results from a. damage to the otolithic hair cells. The otolith organs consist of the utricle and saccule. Mechanical stimulation of hair cells in the vestibular system increases the frequency of action potentials in the vestibulocochlear nerve.