Effects of acoustic trauma on stereocilia structure and spiral ganglion cell tuning properties in the guinea pig cochlea.

Guinea pigs were exposed to loud pure tones from 107 to 129dB SPL for 1 h. After varying recovery periods N1 electrocochleograms and single spiral ganglion cell recordings were obtained. The exposed cochleas were examined by scanning electron microscopy. The relationships between N1 thresholds, single neuron tuning curves and hair cell damage are described.