Determination of the channels for sound transmission to the dolphin cochlear structures: Contact stimulation with recording the auditory brainstem responses

Postural instability and akinesia in a pantropical spotted dolphin, Stenella attenuata, in proximity to operating airguns of a geophysical seismic vessel

“…The auditory system is the primary sensory system in odontocete cetaceans (Herman & Tavolga 1980;Oelschläger & Oelschläger 2002;Popper 1980;Slijper 1979), and although debate is still ongoing about the main channels of sound reception in delphinids, leading hypotheses point to the rostrum, auditory meatus or the entire head (Popov et al 2008;Popper 1980). A parsimonious explanation then for the aberrant behaviour could be that the dolphin suffered severe acoustic distress, if not internal injury, and attempted to lift its anterior body above the surface in an effort to shield its sensitive rostrum, auditory meatus, tympano-periotic complex and paranasal air sacks from water-borne high-amplitude acoustic energy.…”