Effect of Industrial Noise and Ototoxic Antibiotics on Cochlear Function

Abstract

The dynamics of changes in the electro-cochleograms of 250 guinea-pigs exposed to industrial noise and to which kanamycin was administered while the animals were being exposed to such noise for a period of 1 to 12 weeks, inclusive, have been investigated. It was found that the PM and AP changes occurred in phases but that the dynamics of the changes differed. The peripheral adaptation was preserved but a deterioration was noted. The results confirmed by statistical methods seem to indicate that drugs with ototoxic side effects lead to an earlier development of damage to the ear by industrial noise; the damage occurs with greater rapidity if the drug is administered during exposure to such noise.