Ethacrynic acid — Its reversible ototoxicity

Six cats were intoxicated with an intracardiac injection of ethacrynic acid (30 mg/kg) while being anesthetized with open drop fluothane anesthesia. Twenty‐four hours later the cochlear microphonic and N 1 potentials were present and reduced in amplitude, as compared to responses obtained at 48 hours and two and one half months. At 24 hours, 48 hours, and two and one half months mild edema and cystic change in the stria vascularis was noted. From our experimental data it does not appear that a single intravenous dose of ethacrynic acid produces permanent depression of the electrical activity of the cochlea.