Effect of acute inner ear pressure changes on low-level distortion product otoacoustic emissions in the guinea pig

Acta Otolaryngol. 2004 Oct;124(8):929-36. doi: 10.1080/00016480410017396.

Abstract

Objective: To determine a relation between acute inner ear pressure changes and cochlear function as measured by low-level 2f(1)-f(2) distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs).

Material and methods: During and after a change in inner ear pressure induced by injection or aspiration of perilymph, the 2f(1)-f(2) DPOAE at 4.5 kHz generated by low-level primaries was recorded in the guinea pig.

Results: Large changes in overall inner ear pressure produced only small changes in the 2f(1)-f(2) amplitude and phase. During injection of 0.5 microl of artificial perilymph into the scala tympani over a 10-s period, the mean inner ear pressure increased by approximately 500 Pa, with an accompanying mean increase in the 2f(1)-f(2) amplitude of 0.7 dB. During aspiration of 0.5 microl of perilymph over a 10-s period, the mean inner ear pressure decreased by approximately 700 Pa, with an accompanying mean decrease in the 2f(1)-f(2) amplitude of 0.9 dB. Changes in DPOAE amplitude followed inner ear pressure changes with a delay of 1-2 s. The magnitude and sign of the amplitude changes can (partly) be explained by a change in oval window stiffness. No explanation was found for the measured delay.

Conclusion: Clinically, these experiments can be of value in gaining insight into the pathophysiological mechanisms of pathological pressure changes as seen in Meniere's disease and perilymphatic fistulae.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cochlear Aqueduct / physiology
  • Ear, Inner / physiology*
  • Female
  • Guinea Pigs
  • Meniere Disease / physiopathology*
  • Otoacoustic Emissions, Spontaneous / physiology*
  • Perilymph / physiology*
  • Pressure