Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The study goal was to compare the severity of hearing loss with semicircular canal injury in the presence of otitis media (OM) due to an exotoxin A-producing strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA+) and an exotoxin A-deficient daughter strain (PA-).
METHODS: PA+ or PA- was injected bilaterally into guinea pig ears. Three days later, unilateral lateral semicircular canal transection was performed. Hearing was tested before and after transection.
RESULTS: PA OM was induced in all injected ears. Significant elevation of click and 12-kHz thresholds (P < 0.0001) were encountered in PA+-infected ears. No significant threshold elevations were encountered in PA-infected ears.
Conclusion: Hearing loss resulting from canal injury in the presence of Pseudomonas OM may be mediated by exotoxin A.
SIGNIFICANCE: Treatment to neutralize the effects of exotoxin A may minimize the risk of hearing loss with canal fistula in chronic OM.
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