Quantitative assessment of inner ear pathology following ototoxic drugs or acoustic trauma

Abstract

Techniques currently used in the assessment of structural and/or functional damage of the peripheral auditory system are summarized. Two histological approaches are described: one which allows light microscopic evaluation of all structures of the auditory periphery, and a second which concentrates on the sensory cells and their innervation. The latter technique allows electron microscopic analysis of selected regions after a through light microscopic survey. Two electrophysiological methods are described as well: a single-fiber approach which provides detailed information about cochlear condition at all frequency locations and a simpler and faster evoked-potential approach which is well suited to screening for cochlear changes. The correlations between structural and functional changes are described using examples from studies of acoustic injury of the inner ear.