Georg von Békésy

Georg von Békésy (1899–1972) was a Hungarian biophysicist who is best known for his research on the human auditory system. In 1961, he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for his discoveries concerning the physical mechanism of stimulation within the cochlea, an essential part of the ear responsible for hearing. His work laid the foundation for much of the modern understanding of hearing and has had profound implications for the diagnosis and treatment of hearing impairments.

Early Life and Education

Georg von Békésy was born in Budapest, Hungary, on June 3, 1899. He initially pursued studies in chemistry at the University of Bern and later shifted his focus to physics at the University of Budapest. His early career was marked by a broad range of interests, including experimental psychology, telecommunications, and the physical sciences, which eventually led him to the study of the human ear and hearing.

Career and Research

Békésy began his career in the field of telecommunications, working for the Hungarian Post Office, where he was involved in research on telephone transmission. His work in this area sparked his interest in the mechanics of hearing, leading him to conduct experiments on the cochlea and the basilar membrane within the ear.

His most significant contribution was the development of a new method to study the cochlea using physical models and cadaver ears, which allowed him to observe sound wave propagation along the basilar membrane. Békésy's experiments demonstrated that the basilar membrane vibrates in a traveling wave, and this movement is crucial for the process of hearing. This discovery was contrary to the prevailing belief at the time, which suggested that the cochlea vibrated in different segments depending on the frequency of the sound.

Békésy's findings provided a detailed description of the mechanical processes in the cochlea that convert sound waves into nerve impulses, which are then interpreted by the brain as sound. This work not only advanced the understanding of how hearing works but also contributed to the development of better diagnostic tools and treatments for hearing loss.

Later Life and Legacy

After receiving the Nobel Prize, Békésy continued his research at various institutions, including the Harvard University and the University of Hawaii. Throughout his career, he remained a prolific scientist, contributing to various fields beyond hearing, such as the study of sensory perception and psychophysics.

Georg von Békésy passed away on June 13, 1972, in Honolulu, Hawaii. His legacy is preserved through the continued relevance of his research in the fields of audiology and biophysics. The Békésy Laboratory of Neurobiology at the University of Hawaii was named in his honor, continuing research in sensory sciences and neurobiology.

Awards and Honors

In addition to the Nobel Prize, Békésy received numerous awards and honors throughout his career, reflecting his significant contributions to science and medicine. These accolades include membership in prestigious scientific societies and honorary degrees from universities around the world.

See Also

• Audiology
• Cochlear implant
• Hearing loss
• Sensory neuroscience