Electro-physiology and electro-therapeutics : showing the best methods for the medical uses of electricity / By Alfred C. Garratt.
663/740

2. " This action is strongest when the magneto-electric cur- rent is conveyed from the mouth of the Eustachian tube to the external auditory passage of the same ear, instead of from one auditory passage to the other." Thus it should be employed in case of affections of the auditory nerve, in order to restore it. 3. " The exciting action of magneto-electricity is manifested by the convulsive twitchings and pains in the car, the momentary increase of the hearing distance, (which, however, very soon diminishes again, or, though it continues some time, it does not amount to any great degree,) and by aggravation of the tinnitus, either at the moment or some time after the sitting, and then more frequently during the night. 4. " Electro-magnetism or magneto-electricity (i. e., induction currents) does not thus appear to possess any peculiar strengthen- ing action on the auditory nerve. On the contrary, great care is necessary in the trial or employment of this form of electricity, not to over-excite the affected auditory nerves." I have quoted the foregoing apparently adverse opinion as regards the employment of electricity here, because of the high authority. But evidently Dr. Kramer is far more familiar with the one side of the question than with the other, i. e., as regards the anatomy and pathology of the ear and its surgical treatment, than with the therapeutical manifestations of the various elec- tric currents. I agree with him, that all Faradaic currents of electricity are usually painful and fruitless, when applied to the internal ear; but this is by no means true of the primary current of galvanism when properly managed, nor is it true of friction or static electricity, when the operation is performed by introducing into the meatus the little, sponge-tipped, ivory electrode, and then " drawing " short sparks from the projecting silver wire of the ear electrode, as also from the external ear, say for one minute. Thus have I restored many a one more or less to his hearing, and at the same time annihilated the annoying noises. (SeeD.j Deafness, depending on a true and simple paralysis of the auditory or acoustic nerve, may likewise be treated by galvano- puncture, and with the greater probability of success. After having tried the ordinary methods, by carrying the current to