Connexin 26 relative fluorescence intensity in the spiral ligament in the middle and basal turns is measured and statistically analyzed.

<p>Significantly decreased expression of Cx-26 is observed in the spiral ligament of control and treated animals in the noise exposure groups from specimens collected at 3 to 21 days after noise exposure (***<i>p</i> < 0.001). Significant decreased Cx-26 expression is also observed in the control group 6 months after noise exposure (<i>p</i> < 0.05). No significant change is observed in Cx-26 expression in the spiral ligament of the treated group 6 months after noise exposure compared to the normal (naïve)animals (<i>p</i> > 0.05). No significant difference is observed between control and treated groups at each point after noise exposure (<i>p</i> > 0.05).