PubMed HealthSearch

SEARCH · PubMed Health

Results for “Cochlear Microphonic Potentials”

Explore indexed PubMed citations for clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health research. Read source abstracts and follow each citation to its original PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 145 records · Page 8Linked to original sources

Middle-ear response in the chinchilla and its relationship to mechanics at the base of the cochlea.

The responses of the malleus and the stapes to sinusoidal acoustic stimulation have been measured in the middle ears of anesthetized chinchillas using the Mössbauer technique. With "intact" bullas (i.e., closed except for venting via capillary tubing), the vibrations of the tip of the malleus reach a maximal peak velocity of about 2 mm/s in responses to 100-dB SPL tones in the frequency range 500-6000 Hz; vibration velocity diminishes toward lower frequencies with a slope of about 6 dB/oct. Opening the bulla widely increases the responses to low-frequency stimuli by as much as 16 dB. At low frequencies, malleus response sensitivity with either open or intact bullas far exceeds all previous measurements in cats and matches or exceeds such measurements in guinea pigs. Whether measured in open or intact bullas, phase-versus-frequency curves closely approximate those predicted from the magnitude-versus-frequency curves by minimum phase theory. The stapes responses are similar to those of the malleus, except that stapes response magnitude is lower, on the average, by 7.5 dB at frequencies below 2 kHz and 10.7 dB at 2 kHz and above. Comparison of the responses of the middle ear with those of the basilar membrane at a site 3.5 mm from the stapes indicates that, at frequencies below 150 Hz, the basilar membrane displacement is proportional to stapes acceleration. At frequencies between 150 and 2000 Hz, basilar membrane displacement is proportional to stapes velocity.

Acoustic Impedance Tests

The representation of the spectra and fundamental frequencies of steady-state single- and double-vowel sounds in the temporal discharge patterns of guinea pig cochlear-nerve fibers.

Psychophysical results using double vowels imply that subjects are able to use the temporal aspects of neural discharge patterns. To investigate the possible temporal cues available, the responses of fibers in the cochlear nerve of the anesthetized guinea pig to synthetic vowels were recorded at a range of sound levels up to 95 dB SPL. The stimuli were the single vowels /i/ [fundamental frequency (f0) 125 Hz], /a/ (f0, 100 Hz), and /c/ (f0, 100 Hz) and the double vowels were /a(100),i(125)/ and /c(100),i(125)/. Histograms synchronized to the period of the double vowels were constructed, and locking of the discharge to individual harmonics was estimated from them by Fourier transformation. One possible cue for identifying the f0's of the constituents of a double vowel is modulation of the neural discharge with a period of 1/f0. Such modulation was found at frequencies between the formant peaks of the double vowel, with modulation at the periods of 100 and 125 Hz occurring at different places in the fiber array. Generation of a population response based on synchronized responses [average localized synchronized rate (ALSR): see Young and Sachs [J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 66, 1381-1403 (1979)] allowed estimation of the f0's by a variety of methods and subsampling the population response at the harmonics of the f0 of the constituent vowel achieved a good reconstruction of its spectrum. Other analyses using interval histograms and autocorrelation, which overcome some problems associated with the ALSR approach, also allowed f0 identification and vowel segregation. The present study has demonstrated unequivocally that the timing of the impulses in auditory-nerve fibers provides copious possible cues for the identification of the fundamental frequencies and spectra associated with each of the constituents of double vowels.

Animals

The effect of olivocochlear bundle transection on tuning curves and acoustic distortion products.

A growing body of research suggests that the efferent innervation to the cochlea, the olivocochlear bundle (OCB), may modulate the mechanical function of the cochlea. However, the role of tonic OCB input in cochlear function remains poorly understood. The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of tonic efferent input on cochlear mechanics, by transecting the entire OCB in guinea pigs, and observing changes in tuning curves and acoustic distortion products. The OCB was transected by avulsing the inferior vestibular nerve as it enters the internal auditory canal of the right bulla. Auditory brainstem response (ABR) thresholds, ABR tuning curves, and acoustic distortion products were measured before and after surgery. Successful transection of the OCB was verified histochemically. Results revealed no consistent changes in tuning curves or in the growth functions of the distortion products. To the extent that these measures reflect cochlear mechanical nonlinearities, it is concluded that tonic OCB input is not necessary for grossly normal cochlear mechanical function in the 10-kHz region of the guinea pig cochlea. It thus seems unlikely that the efferents are involved in establishing a "set point" for cochlear operation.

Animals

Delay-tuned combination-sensitive neurons in the auditory cortex of the vocalizing mustached bat.

1. FM-FM neurons in the auditory cortex of the mustached bat are sensitive to a pair of frequency-modulated (FM) sounds that simulates an FM component of the orientation sound and an FM component of the echo. These neurons are tuned to particular delays between the two FM components, suggesting an encoding of target range information. The response properties of these FM-FM neurons, however, have previously been studied only with synthesized orientation sounds and echoes delivered from a loud-speaker as substitutes for the bat's own orientation sounds and corresponding echoes. In this study, the combination sensitivity and delay tuning of FM-FM neurons were examined while the bat was actively vocalizing. 2. When the bat produced orientation sounds in an anechoic environment, or synthesized single FM echoes were delivered to a silent bat, the FM-FM neurons showed weak or no response. In contrast, when synthesized FM echoes were delivered with a particular delay from the FM component of the vocalized orientation sounds, the FM-FM neurons exhibited strong facilitative responses. 3. In both the vocalizing bats and the silent bats with substituted synthesized orientation sounds, all FM-FM neurons tested responded preferentially to the same echo harmonic (FM2, FM3, or FM4). 4. In vocalizing bats, FM-FM neurons showed maximum response to an echo FM component delivered with a particular delay (best delay) from an FM component in the orientation sound. Best delays measured with vocalized orientation sounds were nearly the same as those measured with synthesized orientation sounds. 5. The equivalent effect of a vocalized orientation sound and a synthesized FM1 component on the activity of FM-FM neurons indicates that, during echolocation, the FM1 component in the vocalized orientation sound stimulates the auditory system and conditions the FM-FM neurons to be sensitive to echoes with particular delays from the vocalized orientation sounds. 6. The amount of vocal self-stimulation to the inner ear by the bat's own vocalized sounds was measured by recording cochlear microphonic potentials (CMs). Spectral analysis of CM indicated that the amount of vocal self-stimulation by each harmonic of an orientation sound was equivalent to a sound of 70 dB sound pressure level (SPL) for the first harmonic (H1), 91 dB SPL for H2, 83 dB SPL for H3, and 70 dB SPL for H4, when the amplitude of the vocalized sound was 117 dB SPL at 5 cm in front of the bat's mouth.

Animals

Cochlear and brain stem responses in hearing loss following neonatal hyperbilirubinemia.

The site of lesion in hearing loss following neonatal hyperbilirubinemia is unclear. Histopathological studies have implicated the brain stem auditory nuclei while other investigations have hinted at a lesion in the cochlea. In order to clarify this issue, attempts were made to record responses from the auditory pathway in 13 patients with hearing loss following neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. The neural response from the auditory nerve was absent in 11 of the 13 patients and present only in response to high intensity stimuli in 2 patients. However, the response of the cochlear hair cells (cochlear microphonic potential) was present in 9 of the 13 patients. In most other cases of sensorineural hearing loss, with no history of hyperbilirubinemia, the hair cell response was absent. This is functional evidence for auditory nerve damage in cases of hearing loss following neonatal hyperbilirubinemia while the hair cells are spared.

Adult

[Evoked response audiometry of the guinea pig before and after drop in hearing induced by furosemid (author's transl)].

Using particular surface electrodes evoked response audiometry (ERA) can be applied to small laboratory animals without any sedation or anaesthesia. In addition to other methods we have studied in this way the influence of extreme doses of Furosemid on the guinea pig inner ear. 6-20 mg Furosemid per 100 g of bodyweight (about 100 times the human therapy dose) were applicated i.v. within 5 min resulting in a drop of hearing immediately. For the anaesthesized animal the cochlear microphonic potentials (CM) decrease simultaneously, indicating Furosemid to act at the inner ear itself. By both methods recovery of inner ear function is seen to start about 10 min later according to the little biological half life of Furosemid. As being restricted in respect of time for the CM-measurements we are sure about reversibility only by the ERA-method.

Animals

[Frequency-dependent cochlear microphonics in inner ear hearing loss with various pitch thresholds].

Promontory recordings of the cochlear microphonics (CM) after stimulation with 0.5, 1 and 2 kHz tone bursts at 120 dB SPL were performed on normal subjects and patients with various, levels of sensory hearing loss. A significant correlation was found between frequency-related CM amplitudes and the configuration of the pure-tone audiogram. Such recordings provide objective information on hearing abilities at low and middle frequencies and are thus a relevant tool in clinical audiometry.

Auditory Threshold

[The promontory test and electrocochleography in deafness caused by mumps].

Contradictory histological findings in patients with deafness following mumps led us to conduct electrophysiological investigations. Promontory testing (PT) and measurement of cochlear microphonics (CM) enabled us to distinguish between neural and sensory deafness. On the basis of a careful history and serological tests in 19 cases of unilateral deafness we found that the hearing loss was probably caused by mumps. In all patients except one auditory sensations could be obtained by electric stimulation of the acoustic nerve whereas no CM were detectable even with strong stimuli of 100 dB tonepips. In view of the electrophysiological findings, doubt is cast on the neural genesis of deafness following mumps as assumed by Lehnhardt (1962).

Audiometry, Evoked Response

Study of the effect of 350-Hz tone exposure on electrophysiological function of the inner ear of guinea pigs.

The effects of noise exposure were studied in fifty-nine 4- to 5-week-old albino Hartley guinea pigs with normal hearing (body weight 250-300 g). The following experiments and results were carried out: exposure to 350 Hz pure tones at 115 dB for 40 h and exposure to 350 Hz tones at 120 dB for 64 h. In order to investigate the effects of low-frequency tone exposures on the hearing of the guinea pigs, cochlear microphonics (CM), whole nerve action potentials (AP) and endocochlear potentials (EP) were measured. With a high-sound pressure, a decrease was observed in the CM maximum output voltage in the test frequencies of 2, 4 and 6 kHz while the CM threshold (pseudothreshold) of 6 kHz was elevated. Output voltage of the N1 potential of the AP using a 7-kHz tone burst decreased while the threshold of the N1 potential was elevated. An extension of latency and a decrease in the absolute value of the negative potential in EP were also observed.

Acoustics

Correlative changes of auditory nerve and microphonic potentials throughout sleep.

Gross cochlear potentials in response to alternating clicks and pure tone bursts were recorded in guinea-pigs with chronically implanted electrodes in the round window during sleep and the awake state. A significant increase in both averaged potentials, the compound auditory nerve action potential (cAP) and cochlear microphonics (CM) occurred in slow wave sleep (SWS) with a subsequent diminution in paradoxical sleep (PS) periods. The cAP, CM, amplitude and area averages were similar during quiet wakefulness and in PS. Moreover, as an episode of PS progressed, the recorded potentials continued to decrease. On the other hand, increased averaged values were again observed during a subsequent episode of SWS. An involvement of the efferent olivo-cochlear bundle is postulated, first, because it is the only known pathway connecting the CNS and the auditory periphery and, second, because several key pre-receptor variables (middle ear muscles and ossicles and sound-source ear relation) were either abolished or altered dramatically.

Acoustic Stimulation

Differential effects of benzodiazepines on cochlear and auditory nerve responses.

The influence exerted by chlordiazepoxide or midazolam upon auditory nerve compound action potential (cAP) and cochlear microphonic (CM) has been analyzed in chronic as well as in acutely prepared guinea pigs. Pre-receptorial variables were carefully controlled. The benzodiazepines dissociated the cochlear recorded potentials, increasing the cAP amplitude, in response to clicks, and decreasing the CM area, produced by a coherent pure tone pip. Both responses were dose related. A direct effect upon the cochlea was eliminated by local infusion of the drugs. It was also demonstrated to be a specific benzodiazepinic action because the use of an antagonist, Ro 15-1788, abolished the effect. Benzodiazepines could have increased the GABAergic activity at the pontine origins of the olivo-cochlear bundle or in the reticulo-cochlear fibers. These are the only central pathways that could be responsible for the effects obtained at the cochlea or auditory nerve levels. We suggest that this is the cause of the withdrawal of inhibitory tonus from the primary afferent fibers mediated by the efferent system (lateral superior olive), as may occur during dishabituation. It may also be the cause of the CM decrement, but the effect in this case would be exerted mainly through another set of efferent fibers (trapezoid body nucleus).

Action Potentials

The effects of moderate cooling on gross cochlear potentials in the gerbil: basal and apical differences.

Changes in the threshold of the compound action potential (CAP) response in the gerbil to low- and high-frequency tonebursts were monitored during uniform cooling of the cochlea by 7-8 degrees C below normal body temperature. Recordings of the endocochlear potential (EP), cochlear microphonic (CM), and summating potentials (SP) were also obtained from the base and apex of the cochlea under the same conditions. Cooling-related changes in the CAP, as well as the CM and SP response obtained near the best frequency of the recording location, were greater in the base than in the apex. In contrast, reductions in the EP appeared uniform throughout the cochlea. Thus the greater vulnerability of CAP thresholds in the base does not result from a greater vulnerability of the stria vascularis in this region. Our results suggest that the enhanced susceptibility to cooling of the CAP in the cochlear base reflects changes in hair cell mechanisms.

Acoustic Stimulation

Fine structure of the intracochlear potential field. II. Tone-evoked waveforms and cochlear microphonics.

1. Extracellular evoked potentials to low-frequency pure-tone stimuli were recorded in the second cochlear turn of the anesthetized guinea pig. Spatial variations of the field potentials were characterized by advancing and withdrawing micropipettes along radial tracks in scala tympani (ST) and scala vestibuli (SV). Compound action potentials (CAPs) and cochlear microphonics (CM) are the major components of the evoked responses to 50- to 1,600- Hz stimuli. The relative contribution of CM and CAP to the evoked potentials varies with cochlear scala and location within the scala as well as with stimulus frequency and intensity. 2. In the 50- to 800-Hz frequency range, the largest CM in the second turn was recorded from scala media (SM). Below 500 Hz the CM in SV is larger than in ST, whereas above 500 Hz a larger CM is present in ST. The CM in SV is nearly in phase with the CM in SM, although it is smaller by a factor of two to four. The CM diminishes by another factor of two over a 100-microns depth range as an electrode is withdrawn out of SV through the spiral ligament. While the electrode is in SV or in the fluid outside the spiral ligament, the CM magnitude does not change by greater than 10%. The shape of the radial CM magnitude profile along tracks in SV shows little or no dependence on intensity in the 65- to 105-dB SPL range or on frequency in the 50- to 800-Hz range. 3. Unlike the CM profiles in SV, the shape of the CM magnitude and phase profiles in ST are a complex function of frequency and intensity. Below 500 Hz, the CM goes through a 140-180 degree radial phase shift over a 100-microns distance near the spiral ligament bordering ST. Concomitant with the large radial phase shift is a local minimum of the CM magnitude. The location of this "virtual ground point" can shift radially by as much as 100 microns over a 30-dB intensity range. The CM magnitude deep in ST is always larger than the CM outside the spiral ligament bordering ST. However, the ratio of the CM magnitudes at these two locations can vary from 0.1 to 0.8, the ratio tending to increase with intensity in the 200- to 800-Hz range.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Acoustic Stimulation

Chronological changes of electrocochleogram in experimental endolymphatic hydrops. Special reference with AP output potential and hair cell cilia.

Chronological changes of the whole nerve action potential (AP), cochlear microphonics (CM) and summating potential (SP) in experimental endolymphatic hydrops in guinea pigs were studied during a period from 1 week to 13 months after the endolymphatic sac obliteration. Endolymphatic hydrops became extensive in month 3 and persisted thereafter. The threshold of AP increased with the lapse of time but good AP output potential was obtained, being maximum in month 3. The threshold of CM increased with the lapse of time. The CM output potential was the highest around week 3 when endolymphatic hydrops was slightly formed, and it decreased thereafter. SP responses at the frequencies of 8, 4, 1 and 0.5 kHz showed the reversed polarity of -SP in month 3 and changed towards potential 0 thereafter. In animals showing super-normal AP output potential, the cilia in the third row of outer hair cells were disarranged. This seems to be involved in recruitment.

Action Potentials

Single unit responses in the cochlear nucleus of the deaf quivering mouse.

Mice homozygous for the autosomal recessive gene quivering do not have a classical Preyer reflex and appear to be deaf. Round window recordings including both cochlear microphonics and compound action potentials failed to reveal any abnormality. However, auditory-evoked potentials recorded from the inferior colliculus (IC) are small with long latencies, and the thresholds are at least 50 dB higher than those recorded in controls. This suggests that the auditory deficit arises in the auditory pathway between the cochlear nerve and IC and underlines the need for a description of the functioning of the cochlear nucleus (CN). Single units were recorded extracellularly from the CN in 9 mutants (qv/qv) and 11 control animals (+/qv, or +/+) in the age range 60-120 days. The spike response pattern in mutant animals was broadly similar to that in the controls: a sustained response with monotonic rate-intensity functions. In addition the mean Q10dB for units in the mutants was similar to that of the controls. However, in mutants the group mean threshold at the characteristic frequency was higher and the latency to the first evoked spike at 20 dB above threshold was longer than in controls. Some unit responses in the mutants were similar to those of the controls. Nevertheless, in the quivering mouse, evidence now exists of single unit dysfunction in the cochlear nucleus.

Acoustic Stimulation