Project 4

Do olivocochlear efferents play a role in auditory adaptation?

The function of the efferent innervation of the cochlea is still debated. One possibility is that it plays a role in regulating acoustic sensitivity during continuous sound stimulation. Abnormalities of adaptation that are encountered in some pathologies may have their origin in disturbed efferent function.In this project in anaesthetized guinea pigs, we will measure the time course of adaptation to acoustic stimuli with and without intact efferent innervation of the cochlea.