On the Behaviour of the Microphonic Effect of the Cochlea During Hypothermia. an Experimental Study

Abstract

The behaviour of the cochlear microphonic effect in animals subjected to gradual body cooling without previous barbiturate narcosis has been studied. The hypothermia, in some cases, has even reached a level of 13.5°C. It has been shown that close connections exist between the degree of temperature, and therefore between body metabolism and the amplitude of the cochlear microphonic effect caused by sound stimulations of constant intensity. In our experimental animals it has been possible, with subsequent body warming, to obtain the return of the microphonic potentials to the pre-experimental level. The auricular apparatus in mammals is therefore capable of tolerating a very high degree of hypothermia without functional damage.