Occluding the round window causes no change in threshold, but an increase in hearing loss following noise exposure

Ronen Perez, Jean Yves Sichel, Cahtia Adelman, Haim Sohmer

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

4 Scopus citations

Abstract

Aim: To assess the effects of occluding the round window on the degree of hearing loss following exposure to broad band noise. Design: Following opening of the middle ear bulla in both ears of ten sand rats, auditory nerve-brainstem evoked response (ABR) thresholds were determined in each ear separately using an insert earphone. The round window of one ear was then occluded with super-glue. The opposite ear was sham-operated. ABR thresholds were again assessed immediately. The animals were then exposed to 113 dB SPL broad band noise for 12 hours. 24 hours after the round window was occluded, which was 8-10 hours after the end of the noise exposure, ABR thresholds were again determined in each ear. In four control animals, the round window was blocked, but they were not exposed to noise. Results: Following the noise exposure, the mean ABR threshold elevation in the round window blocked ears (54,5 ± 5.5 dB) was significantly (p < 0.004) greater than that in the sham-operated ear (40.5 ± 8.6 dB). In the four control ears, there was no change in ABR threshold 24 hours after the round window was occluded.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)197-206
Number of pages10
JournalJournal of Basic and Clinical Physiology and Pharmacology
Volume20
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - 2009

Keywords

  • cochlear mechanics
  • hearing loss
  • noise
  • protection
  • round window
  • temporary threshold shift

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