EFFECT OF ACOUSTIC OVERSTIMULATION ON THE HYDROPIC EAR

The effect of acoustic overstimulation (2 kHz pure tone) on the compou nd action potential (CAP) threshold was investigated at frequencies ra nging from 2 to 16 kHz using albino guinea pigs, both normal and with experimentally induced endolymphatic hydrops. The hydropic ears were l ess susceptible to acoustic overstimulation than the normal ears. As t he CAP threshold was raised, the frequency exhibiting the greatest CAP threshold shift increased in both animal groups. This tendency was mo re noticeable in the hydropic ears than in the normal ears. These resu lts are discussed from the aspect of cochlear hydrodynamics.