The effect of ultrasonic irradiation on the structural integrity of the inner ear labyrinth

The histological appearance of the inner ear labyrinth was examined following ultrasonic irradiation of the vestibule and the cochlea in cats and guinea pigs. Directing ultrasound through the round window towards the ampulla of the superior semicircular canal produced severe balance dysfunction together with histological damage throughout the vestibular labyrinth. Cochlear damage was restricted to a small region of the basilar membrane proximal to the round window. When ultrasonic energy was directed into the cochlea cellular disruption extended over an area of at least two cochlear turns and included changes in the stria vascularis as well as to hair cells. The outer hair cells were found to be more sensitive than the inner hair cells to the damaging effects of ultrasound.