A New Paradigm for the Hearing Theory

Abstract

The first part of the paper provides a general overview of the paradigm for the hearing theory. Attention was drawn to the need for creating a new paradigm and to the problems with its acceptance. It is necessary to supply good documentary evidence for the big change between the old, recognised paradigm and the new one, based on new assumptions, new science and solid evidence. The second part briefly describes, in bullet points, the most important problems of Bekesy's travelling wave theory which either have not been explained or described incorrectly. I argue for the replacement of a century-old paradigm – viz. 'Bekesy's travelling wave theory' - with a modern paradigm of 'submolecular hearing theory', devoid of the misunderstandings contained in travelling wave theory.

Introduction: A paradigm is a generally recognised level of science in a certain field, which at a certain time is a source of knowledge on a given topic. A paradigm provides model solutions to problems and points the way to further research. It can be assumed that the development of science consists in the accumulation of knowledge as successive cyclical paradigms. Assumed are the four stages of a paradigm, following one after another:

Citation

Jan Myjkowski. A New Paradigm for the Hearing Theory. WebLog J Head Neck Surg. wjhns.2025.e2102.