[Problems of localization of noise damage in the cochlea - 70 years after Wittmaacks first animal experiments (author's transl)].

Wittmaack was the first, who investigated noise damage of the inner ear by animal experiments 70 years ago. This paper deals with the problem of estimating the extend of the damaged area on the basilar membrane following noise exposure by evaluating the microphonic potentials (MP) detected from the round window. With the aid of a mathematic model it is possible to predict both the decrease of the MP after noise exposure and the localization of the damaged area on Corti's organ. These predictions are examined by morphological investigations using the method of Spoendlin and Brun.