Temperature coefficients of cochlear potentials

Abstract

Guinea pigs were subjected to hypothermia; cochlear potentials and cochlear temperatures were measured. The cochlear microphonic and endocochlear potential decreased during cooling. The mean Q10 of the cochlear microphonic potential was 1.58. Q10's of the endocochlear potential were with one exception, appreciably lower, ranging from 1.14 to 1.26. The summating potential almost always increased when temperature was lowered and frequently showed considerable variability within the same animal. Input-output functions were obtained at different stages of hypothermia. The form of these functions remained approximately the same for the cochlear microphonic and summating potentials. On the other hand, the form of the input-output function of the nerve response was markedly altered by cooling.