 The depolarization of the hair cell causes neurotransmitter to be released and an increase in firing frequency of cranial nerve VIII.When the sterocilia tilt away from the kinocilium, the hair cell is hyperpolarized, decreasing the amount of neurotransmitter released, which decreases the firing frequency of cranial nerve VIII.The apical surface of a sensory fish hair cell usually has numerous stereocilia and a single, much longer kinocilium.