This paper presents a short summary of calculations on the vibrations of the cochlear partition (basilar membrane). It is possible to determine the shape, velocity, and amplitude distribution of the traveling waves running from the stapes to the inner ear. Furthermore, it is shown that the calculated vibration pattern is in agreement with observations made on the human cochlea and on models of human inner ears. In particular, analogies between the waves in the inner ear and on the seashore are pointed out. These analogies show the importance of the velocities of propagation for the excitation of the hearing nerve cells.