Experimental endolymphatic hydrops and glycerol. Electrophysiologic study.

The object of the present study was to evaluate electrophysiologically the therapeutic effect of glycerol on the cochlear function of guinea pigs in which experimental hydrops had been surgically induced. Fifteen albino guinea pigs were used. Each animal was chronically implanted to follow the evolution of hearing. The experimental protocol considered 3 groups of guinea pigs (5 animals each). Group 1 received no drug treatment, while groups 2 and 3 were given glycerol orally at 0.75 and 0.50 g/kg of body weight once a day for 4 months. The audiograms of the animals treated with glycerol showed a statistically significant hearing improvement compared with the control group. Clinically, our results seem to support the view of those who favor the use of glycerol for the medical treatment of Meniere's disease at an early stage.