Abstract
Acoustic trauma induces various changes in the cochlea outer hair cells. These changes range from early loss of the sensory hairs to late cell body damage. After the hair cells collapse and disappear, the epithelial surface is quickly repaired. This study was designed to morphologically elucidate the process of epithelial repair. Guinea pigs were subjected to acoustic overstimulation of 4000HZ, 120 dBSPL. The intracellular ultrastructure of the organ of Corti was observed using scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Patterns of outer hair cell collapse were divided at the level of Hensens body. The upper portion of the cell collapsed into the endolymphatic space, while the lower portion collapsed into the tunnel of Corti. After the outer hair cells disappear, the apical portions of the surrounding supporting cells, such as Deiters cells, pillar cells and Hensens cell were quickly extended to repair the defect in the hair cell.
