SHORT-TERM EFFECTS OF INDUCED MIDDLE-EAR PRESSURE CHANGES ON THE ELECTROCOCHLEOGRAM IN MENIERES-DISEASE

Electrocochleographic recordings were made in 17 patients with Meniere's disease before and immediately after exposure to pressure applications in their middle ear. The variables of the response to clicks such as the SP/AP ratio and the width of the complex as well as the amplitudes of the SP in response to long tone bursts were evaluated. Improvement of electrocochleographic recordings, characterized by normalization of the waveforms and reduction of the SP, was found to be significant. The results indicate a mechanoelectric change in the hydroptic cochlea registered directly after exposure to middle ear pressure changes.