There are several experiments involving single‐cell recording which are clearly measuring peripheral processes only (i.e., do not involve efferent action): steady‐state rate functions versus amplitude, click response PST histograms, sine‐wave tuning curves, envelope response to brief noise and tone pulses, steady‐state two‐tone inhibition, envelope response to steady tone plus inhibiting tone pulse, and transient response to closely spaced click pairs. Ideally, one would like to construct a model of the mechanical to neural transduction process which encompasses all of the above results. Several models have appeared in the literature over the past 15 years, but each matches only a limited set of experiments. However, we have combined the most promising features of several of these models to synthesize a new model which at least qualitatively matches all of the experimental data listed above except the click‐pair experiments, and has some physiological validity. Detailed comparisons between experimental data and computer generated simulations will be presented. [Supported by Defense and Civil Institute of Environmental Medicine.]