Protective value of sympathectomy of the ear in noise

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Abstract
Noise-induced hearing loss was assessed in unilaterally sympathectomized rats exposed 1 mo. to 100 dB Leq(lin) [energy equivalent sound level] noise. The systolic blood pressure of these animals was in the range of 110-140 mmHg. Auditory sensitivity was determined electrophysiologically by brainstem response audiometry to 1/3-octave filtered clicks. The loss of sensitivity was .apprx. 10 dB smaller (P < 0.01) on the sympathectomized side. This observation may partially explain the individual differences in susceptibility to noise-induced hearing loss and point towards protective measures and therapeutic possibilities through manipulation of sympathetic activity in the inner ear.