This study was aimed to elucidate the effects of salicylate on the cochlear nerve by recording the spontaneous activity in guinea pigs. After guinea pigs were given salicylate (200 mg/kg) intravenously, the transient reduction in cochlear spontaneous activity and the elevation over the subsequent 10-20 minutes were observed in three of four fibers recorded for more than 30 minutes. The mean spontaneous discharge rate of 102 fibers after administration of salicylate (200 mg/kg) was not significantly higher than the control values from 30 to 120 minutes after salicylate administration, while that rate of 112 fibers after administration of salicylate (400 mg/kg) was significantly higher. The observed changes in spontaneous activity due to salicylate administration may represent the evidence of a tinnituslike phenomenon in guinea pigs.