XIII Cochlear Potentials and VIII Nerve Action Potentials in Normal and Genetically Deaf Mice

Abstract

The cochlea of the normal mouse behaves electro-physiologically in a similar fashion to other animals. The cochlear potentials were obtained to frequencies ranging from 1,000 to 40,000 cps. The range could probably be extended to higher frequencies. The summating potentials were negative and increased linearly with an increase in the intensity of the tone bursts, while the cochlear potentials had a maximum output and diminished with an increase of tonal stimulation. The round window action potentials and VIII nerve action potentials were similar to those found in other animals. Three strains of mice with hereditary inner ear lesions were shown to have no cochlear potentials or VIII nerve action potentials.