Fig 6. Impact of trans-TM peptide phage on hearing.

ABR thresholds measured in dB SPL (Sound Pressure Level relative to .0002 dynes/cm²) were recorded pre-operatively and daily for four days following 10¹⁰ phage particle injection into the ME bulla. Responses were obtained for 8, 16, and 32 kHz pure-tone stimuli. Results indicate that thresholds were elevated up to 20 dB on postoperative days 1 and 2, recovered to within +/- 5 dB of baseline by day 3. Results for four TM-transiting phage, WT phage and saline were similar, indicating that the temporary change in threshold is due to fluid, and that no damage to hearing occurred as a result of TM-transiting phage application. Data are means + SEM (n = 8).