Changes in Cochlear Endolymphatic Oxygen Availability, Action Potential, and Microphonics during and following Asphyxia, Hypoxia, and Exposure to Loud Sounds

Abstract

In order to evaluate the role played by endolymphatic hypoxia on deafness due to exposure to loud sounds, continuous recordings of oxygen availability, action potential, and microphonics were taken during asphyxia, "chronic hypoxia," and after loud sounds. The curves so obtained were compared and showed that hypoxia may play an important contributory role in the temporary losses of hearing following loud sounds. Possible mechanisms of auditory trauma are reviewed briefly.