The mechanical response of the basilar membrane in the cochlea plays a
fundamental role in human hearing. This volume discusses the main
aspects of cochlear compression, including anatomy and physiology; the
perceptual consequences of compression in normal hearing; the effects
of hearing loss on compression; and its function in hearing aids and
cochlear implants. The role of compression has increasing practical
significance as it is incorporated into hearing aids and cochlear
implants to compensate for inadequate compression in people with
cochlear hearing loss.