Hearing loss caused by CMV infection is correlated with reduced endocochlear potentials caused by strial damage in murine models

•CMV infection causes early damage to capillaries of the stria vascularis.•In murine models, initial vascular damage is at the cochlear apex.•Endocochlear potential is significantly reduced after CMV infection.•Loss of endocochlear potential correlates with ABR threshold elevation.•Hearing loss after CMV infection relates to a loss of EP caused by strial damage.