The alteration of the low frequency response of primary auditory afferents by cochlear trauma

The response phase of primary auditory afferents in the first turn of the guinea pig cochlea to low frequency sinusoidal stimuli is altered by trauma to the cochlea. Loud sounds of sufficient intensity to produce temporary shifts in the thresholds of these cells at their characteristic frequency produce a reversal of the neural response from increased firing for basilar membrane displacements towards scala tympani before trauma to an increased firing towards scala vestibuli following trauma. These changes can be reversible.