Which phase involves the cochlea and cochlear nerve in hearing?

The sensorineural hearing phase is characterized by the essential roles played by the cochlea and cochlear nerve in the process of hearing. In this phase, sound waves are converted into electrical signals by hair cells located in the cochlea, a spiral-shaped organ within the inner ear. These hair cells respond to fluid motion created by sound vibrations. Once the hair cells transduce these mechanical vibrations into neural signals, the cochlear nerve carries this information to the brain for auditory processing.

This phase is distinct from the conductive phase, which primarily involves the outer and middle ear structures responsible for channeling sound waves to the cochlea. The mixed hearing phase encompasses aspects of both conductive and sensorineural components, indicating that there may be issues in both auditory pathways. Meanwhile, the central hearing phase pertains to the brain’s interpretation and processing of auditory signals. Thus, the involvement of the cochlea and cochlear nerve makes the sensorineural hearing phase the correct choice.