Effects of High Intensity Impulse Noise and Rapid Changes in Pressure Upon Stapedectomized Monkeys

Abstract

To determine the effects of impulse noise and rapid changes in pressure upon stapedectomized patients, 40 monkeys were subjected to the stape-dectomy procedure and later exposed to gunfire or rapid changes in pressure in an altitude chamber. Two different prostheses were used, half the monkeys receiving the polyethylene strut and vein graft, the other half getting a stainless steel piston prosthesis. Immediate post-exposure examination of the monkeys was made by reflecting the drums. No experimental disarticulation of the prostheses was observed, nor were there any behavioral manifestations of vestibular pathology. No significant differences were observed between the two different prostheses used. On the basis of this experiment, no valid reason for drastic duty limitation of stapedectomized patients can be seen.