Effect of ethanol on cochlear blood flow.

The cochlear and cerebral blood flow was studied in rabbits with the microsphere method before and 15 min after i.v. administration of ethanol. In a series of control experiments only saline was injected. No alteration was measured in the cochlear and cerebral blood flow after the administration of saline, whereas both cochlear and cerebral blood flow showed an increase after ethanol administration. The results are discussed in relation to changes in serum osmolality and hearing in patients with Menière's disease.