Targeted therapeutic hypothermia protects against noise induced hearing loss

Notable Programs in Neurotology Series: The University of Miami Ear Institute

The University of Miami Ear Institute (UMEI) was conceived and founded by Dr. W. Jarrard (Jerry) Goodwin in 1990, then Chairman of the University of Miami Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. Dr. Goodwin's goal was to establish a state-of-the-art institution featuring world-renowned experts in otology, audiology, cochlear implants, balance disorders, skull base surgery, and research. With the support of many within and outside the University, he succeeded in this endeavor and appointed Thomas J. Balkany the first director of the Ear Institute. Under Dr. Balkany's leadership, the institute continued to evolve alongside the growing University of Miami Department of Otolaryngology, pioneering developments in pediatric cochlear implant surgery and postoperative care and basic science research. Dr. Balkany transitioned from UMEI Director in 2010, succeeded by Dr. Fred F. Telischi, and subsequently Dr. Simon I. Angeli who is the current Ear Institute Director. The Ear Institute experienced exponential growth in clinical services, research, education, and advocacy throughout the 2nd decade of the 21st century. Renamed the UHealth Ear Institute, its organizational structure evolved to meet new challenges. In its 34-year history, the UHealth Ear Institute has transformed from an idea into a nationally and internationally recognized center of excellence. It remains dedicated to advocating for universal hearing health, ensuring access to hearing health services, providing exceptional patient care, advancing innovative research, and training future specialists.

Transcriptional response to mild therapeutic hypothermia in noise-induced cochlear injury

Introduction

Prevention or treatment for acoustic injury has been met with many translational challenges, resulting in the absence of FDA-approved interventions. Localized hypothermia following noise exposure mitigates acute cochlear injury and may serve as a potential avenue for therapeutic approaches. However, the mechanisms by which hypothermia results in therapeutic improvements are poorly understood.

Methods

This study performs the transcriptomic analysis of cochleae from juvenile rats that experienced noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) followed by hypothermia or control normothermia treatment.

Results

Differential gene expression results from RNA sequencing at 24 h post-exposure to noise suggest that NIHL alone results in increased inflammatory and immune defense responses, involving complement activation and cytokine-mediated signaling. Hypothermia treatment post-noise, in turn, may mitigate the acute inflammatory response.

Discussion

This study provides a framework for future research to optimize hypothermic intervention for ameliorating hearing loss and suggests additional pathways that could be targeted for NIHL therapeutic intervention.