Several Mechanical Manipulations of the Wall of the Inner Ear Do Not Affect Air and Bone Conduction Auditory Thresholds

Abstract

Objectives:

According to classic theories, auditory stimulation, whether air- or bone-conducted, has been thought to begin with sound-induced relative motion between the cochlear shell and the stapes footplate, producing a passive mechanical traveling wave along the basilar membrane. This study was designed to assess the effect of experimental mechanical manipulations of the cochlea on the auditory thresholds to air-conducted and bone-conducted stimulation.

Methods:

The left ear of Psammomys obesus (highest auditory sensitivity between 0.5 and 5.0 kHz) was initially ablated in all animals studied. After baseline recording of auditory nerve–brain stem evoked response (ABR) thresholds to air- and bone-conducted broadband click stimulation from the right ear, a hole was drilled in the vestibule of that ear in 3 animals. In 2 other animals, the round window of the animals was immobilized. In 3 additional animals, the round window was widely perforated. Repeat ABR thresholds were then determined.

Results:

There was no change in ABR thresholds to both air- and bone-conducted stimulation following these manipulations. The ABR wave latency also did not change.

Conclusions:

It is likely that an alternative mode of cochlear excitation is possible.

Keywords

basilar membrane bone conduction mechanics round window threshold traveling wave

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