[Cochlear microphonic potentials with surface electrodes in the diagnosis of sensorineural hearing loss].

Cochlear microphonic potentials have only been used experimentally because of technical difficulties and the need for inserting transtympanic electrodes. We present the results of a study of 70 ears, 40 with sensorineural hearing loss and 30 with normal hearing. Cochlear microphonics were recorded with surface electrodes. The stimulus was a pure, continuous tone. Statistical analysis disclosed a difference in cochlear microphonic threshold between the two groups. The normal threshold was defined as 83.73 dB and the most significant frequency was 4,000 Hz. The present report shows that this new method can be useful in diagnosing sensorineural hearing loss.