Any measurable or observable characteristic related to the function of or processes in the cochlear OHCs which are known to enhance the performance of the cochlea, both qualitatively (increased selectivity) and quantitatively (increased sensitivity); in addition to the mechanoelectric transduction required for auditory sensation, OHCs also perform electromechanical transduction, whereby transmembrane voltage drives rapid changes in the length and stiffness of OHCs at audio frequencies in vitro (electromotility).