Protection from audiogenic seizures by exposing susceptible mice to intense acoustic stimulation prior to seizure testing was investigated in three experiments. Auditory evoked potentials were measured from the inferior colliculi of two strains of mouse, the C57BL 6J and DBA 2J , and were related to parallel measures of the acoustic startle (Preyer) response and audiogenic seizures. Exposed groups were subjected to intense sound while they were anesthetized with ether prior to testing. Control groups were treated identically but not exposed to sound before testing. As a result of this prior exposure to sound, audiogenic seizures were reduced, Preyer thresholds were elevated, and the absolute threshold for auditory evoked potentials was elevated. However, at intensities sufficient to induce audiogenic seizures, the amplitudes of the auditory evoked potentials were not affected. These results suggest that whatever noise-induced hearing loss occurred, it was not observed at high intensities. Interference with patterns of neural activity was suggested as the mechanism of protection from seizures.