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Samara P, Athanasopoulos M, Markatos N, Athanasopoulos I. From sound waves to molecular and cellular mechanisms: Understanding noise‑induced hearing loss and pioneering preventive approaches (Review). MEDICINE INTERNATIONAL 2024; 4:60. [PMID: 39114262 PMCID: PMC11304036 DOI: 10.3892/mi.2024.184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024]
Abstract
Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is a significant and urgent global public health concern, arising from prolonged exposure to elevated levels of noise. This auditory impairment harms delicate inner ear structures, particularly the essential hair cells transmitting auditory signals to the brain. Recognized by the World Health Organization as a major contributor to worldwide hearing loss, NIHL requires a comprehensive examination of its molecular and cellular mechanisms. Animal models emerge as indispensable tools for unraveling these intricacies, allowing researchers to simulate and study the impact of noise exposure on auditory structures, shedding light on the interplay of oxidative stress, inflammation and immune responses-crucial factors in NIHL progression. The present review focuses on elucidating the molecular mechanisms of NIHL, with a specific emphasis on findings derived from animal models, alongside the exploration of thorough preventive strategies, including protective measures and probing potential interventions. Understanding the molecular underpinnings not only provides insight into targeted treatment approaches, but also unlocks pathways for exploring and implementing preventive actions. This approach not only deepens the current comprehension of NIHL, but also has the potential to influence the shaping of public health policies, offering a nuanced perspective on this prevalent auditory disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pinelopi Samara
- Children's Oncology Unit ‘Marianna V. Vardinoyannis-ELPIDA’, Aghia Sophia Children's Hospital, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | | | - Nikolaos Markatos
- Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Athens Pediatric Center, 15125 Athens, Greece
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Rincon Sabatino S, Rivero A, Sangaletti R, Dietrich WD, Hoffer ME, King CS, Rajguru SM. Targeted therapeutic hypothermia protects against noise induced hearing loss. Front Neurosci 2024; 17:1296458. [PMID: 38292902 PMCID: PMC10826421 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1296458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Exposure to occupational or recreational loud noise activates multiple biological regulatory circuits and damages the cochlea, causing permanent changes in hearing sensitivity. Currently, no effective clinical therapy is available for the treatment or mitigation of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). Here, we describe an application of localized and non-invasive therapeutic hypothermia and targeted temperature management of the inner ear to prevent NIHL. Methods We developed a custom-designed cooling neck collar to reduce the temperature of the inner ear by 3-4°C post-injury to deliver mild therapeutic hypothermia. Results This localized and non-invasive therapeutic hypothermia successfully mitigated NIHL in rats. Our results show that mild hypothermia can be applied quickly and safely to the inner ear following noise exposure. We show that localized hypothermia after NIHL preserves residual hearing and rescues noise-induced synaptopathy over a period of months. Discussion This study establishes a minimally-invasive therapeutic paradigm with a high potential for rapid translation to the clinic for long-term preservation of hearing health.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Andrea Rivero
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, United States
| | - Rachele Sangaletti
- The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, United States
| | - W. Dalton Dietrich
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, United States
| | - Michael E. Hoffer
- The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, United States
| | | | - Suhrud M. Rajguru
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, United States
- The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL, United States
- RestorEar Devices LLC, Bozeman, MT, United States
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Cacace AT, Berri B. Blast Overpressures as a Military and Occupational Health Concern. Am J Audiol 2023; 32:779-792. [PMID: 37713532 DOI: 10.1044/2023_aja-23-00125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/17/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE This tutorial reviews effects of environmental stressors like blast overpressures and other well-known acoustic contaminants (continuous, intermittent, and impulsive noise) on hearing, tinnitus, vestibular, and balance-related functions. Based on the overall outcome of these effects, detailed consideration is given to the health and well-being of individuals. METHOD Because hearing loss and tinnitus are consequential in affecting quality of life, novel neuromodulation paradigms are reviewed for their positive abatement and treatment-related effects. Examples of clinical data, research strategies, and methodological approaches focus on repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) and electrical stimulation of the vagus nerve paired with tones (VNSt) for their unique contributions to this area. RESULTS Acoustic toxicants transmitted through the atmosphere are noteworthy for their propensity to induce hearing loss and tinnitus. Mounting evidence also indicates that high-level rapid onset changes in atmospheric sound pressure can significantly impact vestibular and balance function. Indeed, the risk of falling secondary to loss of, or damage to, sensory receptor cells in otolith organs (utricle and saccule) is a primary reason for this concern. As part of the complexities involved in VNSt treatment strategies, vocal dysfunction may also manifest. In addition, evaluation of temporospatial gait parameters is worthy of consideration based on their ability to detect and monitor incipient neurological disease, cognitive decline, and mortality. CONCLUSION Highlighting these respective areas underscores the need to enhance information exchange among scientists, clinicians, and caregivers on the benefits and complications of these outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony T Cacace
- Department of Communication Sciences & Disorders, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI
| | - Batoul Berri
- Department of Communication Sciences & Disorders, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
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Tisi A, Palaniappan S, Maccarrone M. Advanced Omics Techniques for Understanding Cochlear Genome, Epigenome, and Transcriptome in Health and Disease. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1534. [PMID: 37892216 PMCID: PMC10605747 DOI: 10.3390/biom13101534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Advanced genomics, transcriptomics, and epigenomics techniques are providing unprecedented insights into the understanding of the molecular underpinnings of the central nervous system, including the neuro-sensory cochlea of the inner ear. Here, we report for the first time a comprehensive and updated overview of the most advanced omics techniques for the study of nucleic acids and their applications in cochlear research. We describe the available in vitro and in vivo models for hearing research and the principles of genomics, transcriptomics, and epigenomics, alongside their most advanced technologies (like single-cell omics and spatial omics), which allow for the investigation of the molecular events that occur at a single-cell resolution while retaining the spatial information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annamaria Tisi
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy;
| | - Sakthimala Palaniappan
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy;
| | - Mauro Maccarrone
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy;
- Laboratory of Lipid Neurochemistry, European Center for Brain Research (CERC), Santa Lucia Foundation IRCCS, 00143 Rome, Italy
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Le Prell CG, Clavier OH, Bao J. Noise-induced hearing disorders: Clinical and investigational tools. THE JOURNAL OF THE ACOUSTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2023; 153:711. [PMID: 36732240 PMCID: PMC9889121 DOI: 10.1121/10.0017002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Revised: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
A series of articles discussing advanced diagnostics that can be used to assess noise injury and associated noise-induced hearing disorders (NIHD) was developed under the umbrella of the United States Department of Defense Hearing Center of Excellence Pharmaceutical Interventions for Hearing Loss working group. The overarching goals of the current series were to provide insight into (1) well-established and more recently developed metrics that are sensitive for detection of cochlear pathology or diagnosis of NIHD, and (2) the tools that are available for characterizing individual noise hazard as personal exposure will vary based on distance to the sound source and placement of hearing protection devices. In addition to discussing the utility of advanced diagnostics in patient care settings, the current articles discuss the selection of outcomes and end points that can be considered for use in clinical trials investigating hearing loss prevention and hearing rehabilitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colleen G Le Prell
- Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Science, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, Texas 75080, USA
| | | | - Jianxin Bao
- Gateway Biotechnology Inc., St. Louis, Missouri 63132, USA
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Malfeld K, Armbrecht N, Pich A, Volk HA, Lenarz T, Scheper V. Prevention of Noise-Induced Hearing Loss In Vivo: Continuous Application of Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 and Its Effect on Inner Ear Synapses, Auditory Function and Perilymph Proteins. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 24:ijms24010291. [PMID: 36613734 PMCID: PMC9820558 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
As noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is a leading cause of occupational diseases, there is an urgent need for the development of preventive and therapeutic interventions. To avoid user-compliance-based problems occurring with conventional protection devices, the pharmacological prevention is currently in the focus of hearing research. Noise exposure leads to an increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the cochlea. This way antioxidant agents are a promising option for pharmacological interventions. Previous animal studies reported preventive as well as therapeutic effects of Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) in the context of NIHL. Unfortunately, in patients the time point of the noise trauma cannot always be predicted, and additive effects may occur. Therefore, continuous prevention seems to be beneficial. The present study aimed to investigate the preventive potential of continuous administration of low concentrations of IGF-1 to the inner ear in an animal model of NIHL. Guinea pigs were unilaterally implanted with an osmotic minipump. One week after surgery they received noise trauma, inducing a temporary threshold shift. Continuous IGF-1 delivery lasted for seven more days. It did not lead to significantly improved hearing thresholds compared to control animals. Quite the contrary, there is a hint for a higher noise susceptibility. Nevertheless, changes in the perilymph proteome indicate a reduced damage and better repair mechanisms through the IGF-1 treatment. Thus, future studies should investigate delivery methods enabling continuous prevention but reducing the risk of an overdosage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathrin Malfeld
- Department of Otolaryngology, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625 Hannover, Germany
- Department of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, 30559 Hannover, Germany
| | - Nina Armbrecht
- Department of Otolaryngology, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Andreas Pich
- Core Facility Proteomics, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Holger A. Volk
- Department of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, 30559 Hannover, Germany
| | - Thomas Lenarz
- Department of Otolaryngology, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625 Hannover, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence “Hearing4all”, German Research Foundation (DFG; “Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft”), Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Verena Scheper
- Department of Otolaryngology, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625 Hannover, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence “Hearing4all”, German Research Foundation (DFG; “Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft”), Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625 Hannover, Germany
- Correspondence:
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Singh R, Birru B, Veit JGS, Arrigali EM, Serban MA. Development and Characterization of an In Vitro Round Window Membrane Model for Drug Permeability Evaluations. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:ph15091105. [PMID: 36145326 PMCID: PMC9504332 DOI: 10.3390/ph15091105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Hearing loss and balance disorders are highly common disorders, and the development of effective oto-therapeutics remains an area of intense research. Drug development and screening in the hearing research field heavily rely on the use of preclinical models with often ambiguous translational relevance. This often leads to failed advancement in the market of effective therapeutics. In this context, especially for inner ear-specific pathologies, the availability of an in vitro, physiologically relevant, round window membrane (RWM) model could enable rapid, high-throughput screening of potential topical drugs for inner ear and cochlear dysfunctions and could help accelerate the advancement to clinic and market of more viable drug candidates. In this study, we report the development and evaluation of an in vitro model that mimics the native RWM tissue morphology and microenvironment as shown via immunostaining and histological analyses. The developed three-dimensional (3D) in vitro model was additionally assessed for barrier integrity by transepithelial electrical resistance, and the permeability of lipophilic and hydrophilic drugs was determined. Our collective findings suggest that this in vitro model could serve as a tool for rapid development and screening of topically deliverable oto-therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruby Singh
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Montana, 32 Campus Dr., Skaggs 394, Missoula, MT 59812, USA
- Montana Biotechnology Center (BIOTECH), University of Montana, Missoula, MT 59812, USA
| | - Bhaskar Birru
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Montana, 32 Campus Dr., Skaggs 394, Missoula, MT 59812, USA
- Montana Biotechnology Center (BIOTECH), University of Montana, Missoula, MT 59812, USA
| | - Joachim G. S. Veit
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Montana, 32 Campus Dr., Skaggs 394, Missoula, MT 59812, USA
- Montana Biotechnology Center (BIOTECH), University of Montana, Missoula, MT 59812, USA
| | - Elizabeth M. Arrigali
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Montana, 32 Campus Dr., Skaggs 394, Missoula, MT 59812, USA
- Montana Biotechnology Center (BIOTECH), University of Montana, Missoula, MT 59812, USA
| | - Monica A. Serban
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Montana, 32 Campus Dr., Skaggs 394, Missoula, MT 59812, USA
- Montana Biotechnology Center (BIOTECH), University of Montana, Missoula, MT 59812, USA
- Correspondence:
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Le Prell CG. Prevention of Noise-Induced Hearing Loss Using Investigational Medicines for the Inner Ear: Previous Trial Outcomes Should Inform Future Trial Design. Antioxid Redox Signal 2022; 36:1171-1202. [PMID: 34346254 PMCID: PMC9221155 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2021.0166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Significance: Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is an important public health issue resulting in decreased quality of life for affected individuals, and significant costs to employers and governmental agencies. Recent Advances: Advances in the mechanistic understanding of NIHL have prompted a growing number of proposed, in-progress, and completed clinical trials for possible protections against NIHL via antioxidants and other drug agents. Thirty-one clinical trials evaluating prevention of either temporary or permanent NIHL were identified and are reviewed. Critical Issues: This review revealed little consistency in the noise-exposed populations in which drugs are evaluated or the primary outcomes used to measure NIHL prevention. Changes in pure-tone thresholds were the most common primary outcomes; specific threshold metrics included both average hearing loss and incidence of significant hearing loss. Changes in otoacoustic emission (OAE) amplitude were relatively common secondary outcomes. Extended high-frequency (EHF) hearing and speech-in-noise perception are commonly adversely affected by noise exposure but are not consistently included in clinical trials assessing prevention of NIHL. Future Directions: Multiple criteria are available for monitoring NIHL, but the specific criterion to be used to define clinically significant otoprotection remains a topic of discussion. Audiogram-based primary outcome measures can be combined with secondary outcomes, including OAE amplitude, EHF hearing, speech-in-noise testing, tinnitus surveys, and patient-reported outcomes. Standardization of test protocols for the above primary and secondary outcomes, and associated reporting criterion for each, would facilitate clinical trial design and comparison of results across investigational drug agents. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 36, 1171-1202.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colleen G. Le Prell
- Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Science, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, Texas, USA
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Poling GL, Siegel JH, Lee J, Dhar S. The influence of self-reported noise exposure on 2ƒ 1-ƒ 2 distortion product otoacoustic emission level, fine structure, and components in a normal-hearing population. THE JOURNAL OF THE ACOUSTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2022; 151:2391. [PMID: 35461508 PMCID: PMC8993424 DOI: 10.1121/10.0010105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Revised: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) offer an outcome measure to consider for clinical detection and monitoring outer hair cell dysfunction as a result of noise exposure. This investigation detailed DPOAE characteristics and behavioral hearing thresholds up to 20 kHz to identify promising metrics for early detection of cochlear dysfunction. In a sample of normal-hearing individuals with and without self-reported noise exposure, the DPOAE and hearing threshold measures, as assessed by two questions, were examined. The effects on various auditory measures in individuals aged 10-65 years old with clinically normal/near-normal hearing through 4 kHz were evaluated. Individuals reporting occupational noise exposures (n = 84) and recreational noise exposures (n = 46) were compared to age-matched nonexposed individuals. The hearing thresholds and DPOAE level, fine structure, and component characteristics for the full frequency bandwidth were examined. The data suggest that the DPOAE levels measured using a range of stimulus levels hold clinical utility while fine structure characteristics offer limited use. Under carefully calibrated conditions, the extension to frequencies beyond 8 kHz in combination with various stimulus levels holds clinical utility. Moreover, this work supports the potential utility of the distortion product place component level for revealing differences in cochlear function due to self-reported, casual noise exposure that are not observable in behavioral hearing thresholds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gayla L Poling
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Division of Audiology, Mayo Clinic, 200 First Street Southwest, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, USA
| | - Jonathan H Siegel
- The Roxelyn and Richard Pepper Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Northwestern University, 2240 Campus Drive, Evanston, Illinois 60208, USA
| | - Jungwha Lee
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Biostatistics Collaboration Center, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois 6061l, USA
| | - Sumitrajit Dhar
- The Roxelyn and Richard Pepper Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Northwestern University, 2240 Campus Drive, Evanston, Illinois 60208, USA
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Haro S, Smalt CJ, Ciccarelli GA, Quatieri TF. Deep Neural Network Model of Hearing-Impaired Speech-in-Noise Perception. Front Neurosci 2020; 14:588448. [PMID: 33384579 PMCID: PMC7770113 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.588448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Many individuals struggle to understand speech in listening scenarios that include reverberation and background noise. An individual's ability to understand speech arises from a combination of peripheral auditory function, central auditory function, and general cognitive abilities. The interaction of these factors complicates the prescription of treatment or therapy to improve hearing function. Damage to the auditory periphery can be studied in animals; however, this method alone is not enough to understand the impact of hearing loss on speech perception. Computational auditory models bridge the gap between animal studies and human speech perception. Perturbations to the modeled auditory systems can permit mechanism-based investigations into observed human behavior. In this study, we propose a computational model that accounts for the complex interactions between different hearing damage mechanisms and simulates human speech-in-noise perception. The model performs a digit classification task as a human would, with only acoustic sound pressure as input. Thus, we can use the model's performance as a proxy for human performance. This two-stage model consists of a biophysical cochlear-nerve spike generator followed by a deep neural network (DNN) classifier. We hypothesize that sudden damage to the periphery affects speech perception and that central nervous system adaptation over time may compensate for peripheral hearing damage. Our model achieved human-like performance across signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) under normal-hearing (NH) cochlear settings, achieving 50% digit recognition accuracy at -20.7 dB SNR. Results were comparable to eight NH participants on the same task who achieved 50% behavioral performance at -22 dB SNR. We also simulated medial olivocochlear reflex (MOCR) and auditory nerve fiber (ANF) loss, which worsened digit-recognition accuracy at lower SNRs compared to higher SNRs. Our simulated performance following ANF loss is consistent with the hypothesis that cochlear synaptopathy impacts communication in background noise more so than in quiet. Following the insult of various cochlear degradations, we implemented extreme and conservative adaptation through the DNN. At the lowest SNRs (<0 dB), both adapted models were unable to fully recover NH performance, even with hundreds of thousands of training samples. This implies a limit on performance recovery following peripheral damage in our human-inspired DNN architecture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Haro
- Human Health and Performance Systems, Massachusetts Institute of Technology Lincoln Laboratory, Lexington, MA, United States
- Speech and Hearing Biosciences and Technology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Christopher J. Smalt
- Human Health and Performance Systems, Massachusetts Institute of Technology Lincoln Laboratory, Lexington, MA, United States
| | - Gregory A. Ciccarelli
- Human Health and Performance Systems, Massachusetts Institute of Technology Lincoln Laboratory, Lexington, MA, United States
| | - Thomas F. Quatieri
- Human Health and Performance Systems, Massachusetts Institute of Technology Lincoln Laboratory, Lexington, MA, United States
- Speech and Hearing Biosciences and Technology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
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Increased Risk of Sensorineural Hearing Loss as a Result of Exposure to Air Pollution. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17061969. [PMID: 32192124 PMCID: PMC7143358 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17061969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2020] [Revised: 03/03/2020] [Accepted: 03/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Whether exposure to air pollution is associated with developing sensorineural hearing loss (SHL) remains controversial. Using data from the National Health Insurance Research Database, we recruited a total of 75,767 subjects aged older than 20 years with no history of SHL from 1998 to 2010, and they were followed up until SHL was observed, they withdrew from the National Health Insurance program, or the study ended. The subjects were evenly exposed to low-level, mid-level, and high-level carbon monoxide (CO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2). The incidence rate ratio of SHL for patients exposed to high-level CO was 1.24 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.14–1.36). The NO2 pollutants increased the incidence rate ratios of SHL in mid-level NO2 and high-level NO2 exposures by 1.10 (95% CI = 1.10–1.32) and 1.36 (95% CI = 1.24–1.49) times, respectively. The adjusted hazard ratio (adj. HR) of SHL in patients exposed to high-level CO was 1.45 (95% CI = 1.31–1.59), relative to that of patients exposed to low-level CO. Compared to patients exposed to low-level NO2, patients exposed to mid-level NO2 (adj. HR = 1.40, 95% CI = 1.27–1.54) and high-level NO2 (adj. HR = 1.63, 95% CI = 1.48–1.81) had a higher risk of developing SHL. The increased risk of SHL following the increased concentrations of air pollutants (CO and NO2) was statistically significant in this study. In conclusion, the subjects’ exposure to air pollution exhibited a significantly higher risk of developing SHL in Taiwan.
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Le Prell CG, Hammill TL, Murphy WJ. Noise-induced hearing loss and its prevention: Integration of data from animal models and human clinical trials. THE JOURNAL OF THE ACOUSTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2019; 146:4051. [PMID: 31795668 PMCID: PMC7195863 DOI: 10.1121/1.5132951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2019] [Accepted: 10/19/2019] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Animal models have been used to gain insight into the risk of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) and its potential prevention using investigational new drug agents. A number of compounds have yielded benefit in pre-clinical (animal) models. However, the acute traumatic injury models commonly used in pre-clinical testing are fundamentally different from the chronic and repeated exposures experienced by many human populations. Diverse populations that are potentially at risk and could be considered for enrollment in clinical studies include service members, workers exposed to occupational noise, musicians and other performing artists, and children and young adults exposed to non-occupational (including recreational) noise. Both animal models and clinical populations were discussed in this special issue, followed by discussion of individual variation in vulnerability to NIHL. In this final contribution, study design considerations for NIHL otoprotection in pre-clinical and clinical testing are integrated and broadly discussed with evidence-based guidance offered where possible, drawing on the contributions to this special issue as well as other existing literature. The overarching goals of this final paper are to (1) review and summarize key information across contributions and (2) synthesize information to facilitate successful translation of otoprotective drugs from animal models into human application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colleen G Le Prell
- School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Dallas, Texas 75080, USA
| | - Tanisha L Hammill
- Department of Defense, Defense Health Agency, Falls Church, Virginia 22042, USA
| | - William J Murphy
- Division of Field Studies and Engineering, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinanati, Ohio 45226-1998, USA
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