The effect of transient anoxia upon the cochlear potentials.

To contribute to the analysis of the electrocochleographical findings in humans, the reversibility of the cochlear potentials (the AP, CM, and SP) after transient anoxia was examined using 24 albino guinea pigs. The durations of anoxia ranged from 5 to 120 min, and the AP, CM and SP were examined one hour after restoration of the blood supply. The mildest form of cochlear damage after transient anoxia was the disappearance of the L-part of the AP and the severest was the complete abolition of these potentials. The severity of the damage closely correlated with the duration of anoxia. The AP was poorer in reversibility than the CM and the SP. These results were analysed and discussed in the light of literature on clinical and basic studies.