Holes in the reticular lamina after noise exposure: implication for continuing damage in the organ of Corti

BA Bohne, KD Rabbitt - Hearing research, 1983 - Elsevier
Three different histological techniques (scanning electron microscopy, phase contrast
microscopy and light microscopy) were used to examine the organ of Corti after a damaging
noise exposure. In the region of maximal injury, all outer hair cells were missing 1–2 h after
the exposure had ended. Degenerated hair cells are eventually replaced by phalangeal
scars. However, in these short-term recovery ears, a series of holes which were the exact
size and shape of the missing outer hair cell apices were found in the reticular lamina …