[Simultaneous determination of oxygen partial pressure in the scala tympani, electrocochleography and blood pressure values in the guinea pig].

Nineteen guinea pigs were exposed to impulse noise from gunfire (G3 of the Federal German Army, 156 dB peak SPL), 6+6 shots or 12+6 shots, with a 3-s pulse interval. For simultaneous measurements of pO2, cochlea microphonics (CM) and compound action potentials of the auditory nerve (CAP), we used the thin 0.5 microns microcoaxial needle electrode described by Baumgaertl and Luebbers, which was placed through the roundwindow membrane into the scala tympani to a depth of 1000 microns. After exposure to the first 6 or 12 gunshots, the pO2 increased by about 20% of the original values in 12 guinea pigs (63%). In the following 30 min of recovery time the pO2 decreased, stabilized or showed a further decline. There were only 3 animals with a pO2 loss of 70% of the original values. Most animals showed a decline of 25% at the end of the recovery period. In all animals after 6 additional shots, the pO2 only decreased by another 5% of the original values. Amplitudes of CM and CAP were reduced by about 40% of the original values after 6 or 12 shots and by another 20%-24% (CM) and 5%-15% (CAP) after 6 additional shots. The intra-arterial blood pressure in the common carotid artery remained constant. The results are discussed with respect to the well-known morphological damage, subsequent ion imbalance and hypoxia within the cortilymph after exposure to gunfire. These changes are reflected in the loss of CMs and CAPs.