Maximal number of pre-synaptic ribbons are formed in cochlear region corresponding to middle frequency in mice

Objective: To investigate whether there are more quantitative pre-synaptic ribbons formed in the cochlear region corresponding to middle-frequency in cochlea of mice.

Methods: Counts of pre-synaptic ribbons were performed using immunostaining and laser confocal microscopy. Hearing thresholds and function of ribbon synapses were estimated by auditory brain response (ABR) and compound action potential (CAP). Cochlear mapping has been achieved to match the frequencies and corresponding regions along the cochlear spiral.

Results: The number of pre-synaptic ribbons in per inner hair cell (IHC) has been found to increase gradually from the base turn, the maximal quantity appeared at the region of 50–70% from the apex. Next, ABR thresholds showed that there was the lowest ABR threshold in the frequency around 8–16?kHz, corresponding to the region of 50–70% from the apex according to the cochlear mapping. Further, CAP amplitudes were estimated, and the maximal value identified at the same frequency (8–16?kHz).

Conclusions: Maximal number of pre-synaptic ribbons is formed in the cochlear region of middle frequency in mice, coupling with the lowest ABR threshold and highest CAP amplitudes. Our study shows that the middle frequency (8–16?kHz) could be the most sensitive region to sound stimuli in mice.     

Estimation of the status of spiral ganglion neurons and Schwann cells in the auditory neural degeneration mouse using the auditory brainstem response

Conclusion: The auditory brainstem response (ABR) wave I threshold, latency and amplitude are insensitive to spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs) degeneration, but are sensitive to the degeneration of Schwann cells and can estimate the status of Schwann cells in a neural degeneration mouse model. The thorough pre-operative ABR assessment would be helpful in predicting cochlear implant performance.

Objectives: This study aimed in finding a non-invasive electrophysiological method to evaluate the status of the auditory nerve and the Schwann cells in sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) and auditory neuropathy (AN) ears, and providing useful information for candidates screening and outcome prediction in cochlear implantation.

Methods: The frequency-specific acoustic ABR was recorded in mice. The immunohistochemical staining was performed to detect the SGNs and Schwann cells in mice cochlea. The correlations between ABR wave I metrics and SGNs, Schwann cells were investigated.

Results: In SNHL and AN mice cochlea, statistically significant correlations between ABR wave I thresholds, latencies and amplitudes at 8, 16, and 32?kHz and their corresponding SGNs densities were found only in wave I amplitude at 8?kHz. While the ABR wave I metrics at all three frequencies showed strong significant correlations with their corresponding Schwann cells densities.     

聚DL—天冬氨酸对庆大霉素耳毒性拮抗作用的实验研究

目的 研究聚ＤＬ－天冬氨酸（ＰＡＡ）对Ｆ－３４４大鼠庆大霉素（ＧＭ）耳毒性的拮抗作用。方法 选用健康Ｆ－３４４大鼠５０只,随机分４组：Ｉ为ＧＭ、Ⅱ为ＰＡＡ＋ＧＭ、Ⅲ为ＰＡＡ、Ⅳ为生理盐水对照组;通过观测４组大鼠不同时期、不同频率听性脑干反应（ＡＢＲ）阈值的改变;计数耳蜗毛细胞死亡率,以观察ＰＡＡ对Ｆ－３４４大鼠ＧＭ耳蜗毒性的拮抗作用;用双向扩散血清培养基检测法观察ＰＡＡ对ＧＭ抗菌活性的影响。结果     

Cisplatin-induced metabolome changes in serum: an experimental approach to identify markers for ototoxicity

Background: Ototoxicity from treatment with the anticancer drug cisplatin remains a clinical problem. A wide range of intracellular targets of cisplatin has been found in vivo.

Aim: To investigate cisplatin-induced change of the serum metabolite profile and its association with ototoxicity.

Material and methods: Guinea pigs (n?=?14) were treated with cisplatin (8?mg/kg b.w., i.v.) 30?min after administration of the otoprotector candidate sodium thiosulfate (group STS; n?=?7) or sodium chloride (group NaCl; n?=?7). Ototoxicity was evaluated by ABR (3–30?kHz) before and 4 d after drug treatment, and by assessment of hair cell loss. A blood sample was drawn before and 4 d after drug treatment and the polar metabolome in serum was analyzed using LC-MS.

Results: Cisplatin-treatment caused significant threshold elevations and outer hair cell (OHC) loss in both groups. The ototoxicity was generally lower in group STS, but a significant difference was reached only at 30?kHz (p?=?.007). Cisplatin treatment altered the metabolite profile significantly and similarly in both groups. A significant inverse correlation was found between L-acetylcarnitine, N-acetylneuraminic acid, ceramide, and cysteinylserine and high frequency hearing loss in group NaCl. The implication of these correlations should be explored in targeted studies.     

Establishing the standard method of cochlear implant in Rongchang pig

Conclusions: In this investigation, a large mammal, Rongchang pigs were used to successfully establish a research platform for cochlear implant study on the routine use of it in clinic.

Objective: The aim of this study was to establish a standard method of cochlear implant in a large mammal—pig.

Methods: Rongchang pigs were selected, then divided into two groups: normal-hearing group (Mitf?+/+) and mutation group with hearing loss (Mitf ?/?). Cochlear implants were used and ABR and EABR were recorded. The implanted electrodes were observed by X-ray and HE stains.

Results: The success with cochlear implant and the best electrode position could be defined in all animals, the coiling of the cochlea reached 1.5–1.75 turns. Immediately after the operation of cochlear implants, the ABR threshold of the operated ear (right) could not be derived for each frequency at 120?dB SPL. Moreover, 7 days after surgery, the low-frequency ABR threshold of the operated ear (right) could be derived partly at 100?dB SPL, but the high-frequency ABR threshold could not be derived at 120?dB SPL. Immediately or 1 week after cochlear implants, the EABR threshold was 90?CL in the Mitf?+/+?group. This was obviously lower than the 190?CL in the Mitf ?/? group.     

D-methionine (D-met) significantly reduces kanamycin-induced ototoxicity in pigmented guinea pigs

Objective: Test D-methionine (D-met) as an otoprotectant from kanamycin-induced ototoxicity and determine the lowest maximally protective D-met dose. Design: Auditory brainstem responses (ABR) were measured at 4, 8, 14, and 20?kHz at baseline and two, four, and six weeks after kanamycin and D-met administration initiation. ABR threshold shifts assessed auditory function. Following six-week ABR testing, animals were decapitated and cochleae collected for outer hair cell (OHC) quantification. Study sample: Eight groups of 10 male pigmented guinea pigs were administered a subcutaneous kanamycin (250?mg/kg/dose) injection once per day and an intraperitoneal D-met injection (0 (saline), 120, 180, 240, 300, 360, 420, or 480?mg/kg/day) twice per day for 23 days. Results: Significant ABR threshold shift reductions and increased OHC counts (p ≤0.01) were measured at multiple D-met-dosed groups starting at two-week ABR assessments. A 300?mg/kg/day optimal otoprotective D-met dose provided 34–41?dB ABR threshold shift reductions and OHC protection. Lesser, but significant, D-met otoprotection was measured at lower and higher D-met doses. Conclusions: D-met significantly reduced ABR threshold shifts and increased OHC percentages compared to kanamycin-treated controls. Results may be clinically significant particularly for multidrug-resistant tuberculosis patients who frequently suffer from kanamycin-induced hearing loss in developing countries.     

Intracochlear Perfusion of Pneumolysin,a Pneumococcal Protein,Rapidly Abolishes Auditory Potentials in the Guinea Pig Cochlea

Objective —Bacterial meningitis and chronic suppurative otitis media caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae are associated with considerable otological morbidity. Specifically, sensorineural hearing loss is a permanent sequela in a third of those who contract pneumococcal meningitis. Pneumolysin, a pneumococcal protein, has been implicated as one of the main virulence/cytotoxic factors. Its pathogenicity is intimately dependent on an ability to form transmembrane pores on binding with cholesterol in target tissues.

Material and Methods —We perfused wild-type pneumolysin, at a number of different concentrations, into the guinea pig cochlea and used electrocochleography to characterize the effects of this cytolytic exotoxin in the organ of Corti.

Results —Intracochlear perfusion of pneumolysin (10 μg/50 μl) reduced the compound action potential of the auditory nerve within seconds. The cochlear microphonics (f1=8 kHz, f2=9.68 kHz) and their distortion product (2f1–f2) were also reduced, albeit in a slightly less dramatic fashion. At lower concentrations (1 μg/50 μl), a selective and earlier effect on inner hair cells was observed.

Conclusions —These results clearly show that significant ototoxicity ensues when sensory cells of the organ of Corti are exposed to pneumolysin (and complete cochlear death when the concentration is high enough). Toxicity is dose-dependent and appears to be site-sensitive. This may have implications for any possible future protective strategies against pneumococcal disease in the ear.     

Extended use of systemic steroid is beneficial in preserving hearing in guinea pigs after cochlear implant

Conclusion: Seven-day administration of systemic steroids was more effective in preserving hearing for 12 weeks after cochlear implantation (CI) than a 3-day delivery.

Objectives: To determine the effectiveness of extended delivery of systemic steroids to preserve hearing in guinea pigs after CI.

Methods: Dexamethasone (4?mg/ml) was delivered parenterally via a mini-osmotic pump for either 3 or 7 days. A dummy CI electrode was inserted via cochleostomy approach in 8-week-old guinea pigs. Auditory thresholds were assessed from tone burst auditory brainstem responses (2, 8, 16, 24, and 32?kHz) at 1?day prior to CI, and 1, 4, and 12 weeks after implantation. Histologic evaluation of the cochleae was carried out.

Results: No differences were observed in hearing thresholds among groups before CI. Significant hearing preservation was achieved at 8, 16, 24, and 32?kHz only in the 7-day infusion group compared with the control group at 1 week after CI. The same trend was maintained at 4 weeks (16, 24?kHz) and 12 weeks (16, 24, and 32?kHz). Histologic review of the 7-day infusion group revealed less fibrosis and ossification in the scala tympani and the preservation of more spiral ganglion cells, compared with the control group.     

Effects of noise exposure on auditory brainstem response and speech-in-noise tasks: a review of the literature

Abstract

Objective: Short-term noise exposure that induces transient changes in thresholds has induced permanent cochlear synaptopathy in multiple species. Here, the literature was reviewed to gain translational insight into the relationships between noise exposure, ABR metrics, speech-in-noise performance and TTS in humans.

Design: PubMed-based literature search, retrieval and review of full-text articles. Study Sample: Peer-reviewed literature identified using PubMed search.

Results: Permanent occupational noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is frequently accompanied by abnormal ABR amplitude and latency. In the absence of NIHL, there are mixed results for relationships between noise exposure and ABR metrics. Interpretation of speech-in-noise deficits is difficult as both cochlear synaptopathy and outer hair cell (OHC) loss can drive deficits. Reductions in Wave I amplitude during TTS may reflect temporary OHC pathology rather than cochlear synaptopathy. Use of diverse protocols across studies reduces the ability to compare outcomes across studies.

Conclusions: Longitudinal ABR and speech-in-noise data collected using consistent protocols are needed. Although speech-in-noise testing may not reflect cochlear synaptopathy, speech-in-noise testing should be completed as part of a comprehensive test battery to provide the objective measurement of patient difficulty.     

二甲基亚砜对在体耳蜗毛细胞的毒性作用

目的研究二甲基亚砜(DMSO)对在体耳蜗毛细胞的毒性作用。方法取清洁级健康、ABR阈值正常SD大鼠32只,雌雄不限,体重100-120g。随机分成4组,人工外淋巴液对照组(即0%组)8只;0.1%DMSO溶液组8只;1%DMSO溶液组8只;5%DMSO溶液组8只。所有动物均取右耳作为实验耳。通过耳蜗鼓阶打孔显微注射向每个实验耳注入不同浓度DMSO溶液4ul。术前1天和术后7天分别进行ABR(click和toneburst)检测。激光共聚焦显微镜观察DMSO溶液导入7天后的毛细胞变化。结果人工外淋巴液对照组click、4kHz、8kHz、16kHz处阈移平均值均<5dBSPL,仅于32kHz处有约13dBSPL的阈移,形态方面未见明显损伤;0.1%浓度组在click、4kHz、8kHz处阈移平均值均<5dBSPL,而32kHz处阈移约25dBSPL,与人工外淋巴液对照组比较提示有统计学意义,激光共聚焦显微镜观察底回时偶见少数内毛细胞胀大;1%浓度即可引起OHC大量丢失,造成相应纤毛表皮板缺如,且以底回最重,各频率ABR阈移均>15dBSPL,32kHz处阈移>30dBSPL;当浓度增加到5%时,不仅损伤耳蜗底回的外毛细胞,也导致内毛细胞的丢失,所造成的听力损失在32kHz处较1%组严重。结论 DMSO对毛细胞的损伤存在剂量依赖性,损伤程度自耳蜗底回向顶回逐渐减轻。     

NGB基因转染拮抗庆大霉素耳毒性作用的实验研究

目的验证阳离子脂质体介导脑红蛋白(neuroglobin,NGB)基因转染对庆大霉素致豚鼠耳毒性的保护作用。方法将ABR反应阈均不超过40dB SPL的120只健康花色豚鼠随机分为5组,每组24只:Ⅰ组:空白对照组;Ⅱ组:人工外淋巴液对照组(经左耳注入人工外淋巴液);Ⅲ组:人工外淋巴液实验组(经左耳注入人工外淋巴液后肌肉注射庆大霉素);Ⅳ组:空质粒转染组(经左耳注入空质粒pEGFP-C1后肌肉注射庆大霉素);Ⅴ组:NGB基因转染组(经左耳注入pEGFP-NGB后肌肉注射庆大霉素),庆大霉素均经后腿肌肉注射120mg.kg-1.d-1,共给药14天。停止给药后喂养14天,各组均行ABR检测,耳蜗基底膜铺片、免疫组化观察各组豚鼠耳蜗基底膜毛细胞形态学及NGB蛋白表达的变化。结果给药后Ⅰ组ABR反应阈平均为37.22dB SPL(左耳)和36.94dB SPL(右耳),Ⅱ组阈值平均为37.22dB SPL(左耳)和37.50dB SPL(右耳),Ⅲ组阈值平均为119.44dB SPL(左耳)和122.22dB SPL(右耳);Ⅳ组阈值平均为119.72dB SPL(左耳)和120.83dB SPL(右耳);Ⅴ组阈值平均为83.89dB SPL(左耳)和100.56dB SPL(右耳)。Ⅴ组ABR反应阈较Ⅰ组和Ⅱ组显著升高(P<0.05),较Ⅲ组和Ⅳ组显著降低(P<0.05)。Ⅴ组中手术耳ABR反应阈较非手术耳降低(P<0.05)。耳蜗基底膜铺片示Ⅰ组和Ⅱ组内外毛细胞排列整齐,无缺失,Ⅲ组和Ⅳ组内外毛细胞极少量残存,其中ABR阈值大于135dB SPL的豚鼠耳蜗毛细胞几乎消失殆尽,Ⅴ组毛细胞部分缺失,且主要是外毛细胞;免疫组织化学染色示Ⅴ组耳蜗毛细胞NGB蛋白表达量较其余各组均显著增高(P<0.05),其余各组几乎均未见明显阳性表达。结论本研究成功验证了阳离子脂质体介导NGB基因转染对庆大霉素致豚鼠耳毒性具有有效的保护作用。     

Ginkgo biloba extract (EGb 761) protects against cisplatin-induced ototoxicity in rats.

HYPOTHESIS: A standardized Ginkgo biloba extract, EGb 761, may have protective effect against cisplatin-induced ototoxicity in rats. BACKGROUND: Cisplatin-induced ototoxicity is a major dose-limiting side effect in anticancer chemotherapy. Cisplatin-induced ototoxicity has been correlated to depletion of the cochlear antioxidant system and increased lipid peroxidation. EGb 761 contains potent antioxidants capable of scavenging free radicals, inhibiting nitric oxide synthesis, reducing lipid peroxidation, and protecting against apoptosis. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of EGb 761 on cisplatin-induced ototoxicity in rats. METHODS: Male Wistar rats were divided into four groups and were treated as follows: 1) vehicle control; 2) cisplatin (13 mg/kg, intraperitoneally) plus vehicle; 3) EGb 761 (200 mg/kg, intraperitoneally); and 4) EGb 761 plus cisplatin. Auditory brainstem responses (ABRs) were measured pretreatment and 72 hours posttreatment, and threshold shifts were analyzed. Endocochlear potentials (EPs) were also obtained at 72 hours posttreatment. Cochleae were harvested and processed for scanning electron microscopy after completion of auditory testing. RESULTS: Cisplatin-treated rats showed significant ABR threshold shifts across all frequencies (click, and 2-, 4-, 8-, 16-, and 32-kHz tones) compared with each of the other groups (p < 0.001). Rats treated with EGb 761 plus cisplatin did not show significant ABR threshold shifts (p > 0.05). Similarly, the EPs of cisplatin-treated rats were decreased significantly approximately 50% in comparison with the other groups (p < 0.001). The EPs of EGb 761 plus cisplatin-treated rats were decreased less than 20% compared with vehicle control group or the EGb 761 only group (p < 0.01). The scanning electron microscopy observation indicated severe outer hair cell loss in the basal turn of cochleae of cisplatin-treated rats, whereas outer hair cells remained intact in the rats treated with EGb 761 plus cisplatin. CONCLUSION: These results demonstrate that EGb 761 protects against cisplatin-induced ototoxicity.     

Unitary ototoxic gentamicin exposure may not disrupt the function of cochlear outer hair cells in mice

Background: Previous study showed that mild ototoxic exposure could induce a reversible hearing impairment, and the loss and secondary incomplete recovery of cochlear ribbon synapses could be responsible for the hearing loss. However, it remains unclear whether cochlear outer hair cells’ (OHCs) functions are affected.

Objective: To verify whether the function of OHCs are also affected significantly after the ototoxic exposure.

Methods: Mice were injected intraperitoneally with 100?mg/kg concentration of gentamicin daily for 14 days. Distortion Product of Oto-acoustic Emission (DPOAE) was detected at control (pre-treatment), Day 0, day 4, day 7, day 14 and day 28 after the ototoxic exposure, respectively. In addition, the morphology of OHCs was observed by electron microscopy, OHCs has been counted by light microscopy, and the hearing thresholds were detected by auditory brain response (ABR).

Results: No significant changes have been found in OHC and OHC stereocilia among the experimental groups (p?>?.05). Further, no significant changes or loss was found in the morphology of OHCs either. However, we found ABR threshold elevations occurred after ototoxic exposure.

Conclusions: Unitary ototoxic gentamicin exposure may not disrupt the function of cochlear OHCs in mice, regardless of hearing loss identified in this ototoxic exposure.     

Uncomfortable loudness levels among children and adolescents seeking help for tinnitus and/or hyperacusis

Objective: To assess the prevalence of hyperacusis and severe hyperacusis among children and adolescents seen at an audiology outpatient tinnitus and hyperacusis service.

Design: This was a retrospective study. Hyperacusis was considered as present if the average uncomfortable loudness level (ULL) at 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, 4 and 8?kHz for the ear with the lower average ULL, which is denoted as ULLmin, was ≤77?dB HL. Severe hyperacusis was considered as present if the ULL was 30?dB HL or less for at least one of the measured frequencies for at least one ear.

Study sample: There were 62 young patients with an average age of 12?years (SD?=?4.1?years, range 4–18?years).

Results: Eighty-five percent of patients had hyperacusis and 17% had severe hyperacusis. On average, ULLs at 8?kHz were 9.3?dB lower than ULLs at 0.25?kHz. For 33% of patients, ULLs were at least 20?dB lower at 8 than at 0.25?kHz.

Conclusions: Among children and adolescents seen at an audiology outpatient clinic for tinnitus and hyperacusis, hyperacusis diagnosed on the basis of ULLs is very prevalent and it is often characterised by lower ULLs at 8 than at 0.25?kHz.     

水杨酸钠中耳灌注对庆大霉素耳毒性的防护作用

目的 观察水杨酸钠经中耳局部灌注给药对庆大霉素耳毒性的防护作用。方法 24只健康杂色豚鼠均接受圆窗置管术，然后随机分成3组：Ⅰ组为生理盐水对照组；Ⅱ组为庆大霉素组，腹腔注射庆大霉素，经听泡灌注生理盐水；Ⅲ组为庆大霉素加水杨酸钠组，腹腔注射庆大霉素，经听泡灌注水杨酸钠。观察各组给药前后听性脑干反应阈的变化和给药后4周毛细胞损失情况。结果 听泡置管术后ABR反应阈无明显改变；给药后2周和4周，庆大霉素组ABR反应阈较庆大霉素加水杨酸组显著增高（P〈0．01），对照组ABR反应阈无显著变化。耳蜗铺片、毛细胞计数显示庆大霉素组外毛细胞严重缺失，以底回最明显，庆大霉素加水杨酸钠组外毛细胞损失较庆大霉素组轻（P〈0．05）。对照组无明显外毛细胞缺失。结论 水杨酸钠经中耳局部给药途径可减轻庆大霉素所致听功能损害和毛细胞缺失，可在一定程度上有效预防庆大霉素的耳毒性。     

Effect of infrasound on cochlear damage from exposure to a 4 kHz octave band of noise

Infrasound (i.e., <20 Hz for humans; <100 Hz for chinchillas) is not audible, but exposure to high-levels of infrasound will produce large movements of cochlear fluids. We speculated that high-level infrasound might bias the basilar membrane and perhaps be able to minimize noise-induced hearing loss. Chinchillas were simultaneously exposed to a 30 Hz tone at 100 dB SPL and a 4 kHz OBN at either 108 dB SPL for 1.75 h or 86 dB SPL for 24h. For each animal, the tympanic membrane (TM) in one ear was perforated ( approximately 1 mm(2)) prior to exposure to attenuate infrasound transmission to that cochlea by about 50 dB SPL. Controls included animals that were exposed to the infrasound only or the 4 kHz OBN only. ABR threshold shifts (TSs) and DPOAE level shifts (LSs) were determined pre- and post-TM-perforation and immediately post-exposure, just before cochlear fixation. The cochleae were dehydrated, embedded in plastic, and dissected into flat preparations of the organ of Corti (OC). Each dissected segment was evaluated for losses of inner hair cells (IHCs) and outer hair cells (OHCs). For each chinchilla, the magnitude and pattern of functional and hair cell losses were compared between their right and left cochleae. The TM perforation produced no ABR TS across frequency but did produce a 10-21 dB DPOAE LS from 0.6 to 2 kHz. The infrasound exposure alone resulted in a 10-20 dB ABR TS at and below 2 kHz, no DPOAE LS and no IHC or OHC losses. Exposure to the 4 kHz OBN alone at 108 dB produced a 10-50 dB ABR TS for 0.5-12 kHz, a 10-60 dB DPOAE LS for 0.6-16 kHz and severe OHC loss in the middle of the first turn. When infrasound was present during exposure to the 4 kHz OBN at 108 dB, the functional losses and OHC losses extended much further toward the apical and basal tips of the OC than in cochleae exposed to the 4 kHz OBN alone. Exposure to only the 4 kHz OBN at 86 dB produces a 10-40 dB ABR TS for 3-12 kHz and 10-30 dB DPOAE LS for 3-8 kHz but little or no OHC loss in the middle of the first turn. No differences were found in the functional and hair-cell losses from exposure to the 4 kHz OBN at 86 dB in the presence or absence of infrasound. We hypothesize that exposure to infrasound and an intense 4 kHz OBN increases cochlear damage because the large fluid movements from infrasound cause more intermixing of cochlear fluids through the damaged reticular lamina. Simultaneous infrasound and a moderate 4 kHz OBN did not increase cochlear damage because the reticular lamina rarely breaks down during this moderate level exposure.     

Three-dimensional finite-element analysis of the cochlear hypoplasia

Abstract

Objectives: Based on CT scan images of healthy human ear, the effects of cochlear hypoplasia on auditory functions was studied.

Methods: Three-dimensional nonlinear finite-element numerical model was developed and used to predict frequency responses of hypoplastic cochleae. The numerical model was validated by comparing the modeling results to reported experimental data.

Results: The cochlear hypoplasia compromises sound conduction of middle ear and results in significant decrease of vibration displacement amplitude of stapes foot-plate at frequencies 100?～?1200?Hz with a maximal decrease of 9.1?dB at ～1000?Hz. Consequently, the displacement ratio of basement membrane vibration at the longitudinal location ～12?mm from the apex to the stapes vibration decreases at 100?～?4000?Hz with the biggest decrease of 15.2?dB at ～?4000?Hz.

Conclusions: Numerical modeling was used to demonstrate the effect of cochlear hypoplasia on sound conduction and cochlear sensitivity. Cochlear hypoplysia causes changes in biomechanics of middle ear and inner ear, which lead to hearing loss. The current modeling results suggest that the frequency-dependent decrease of the stapes vibration can be used in clinics for diagnosing cochlear hypoplasia. This is particularly important because the middle ear function measurement can be used to diagnose unmeasurable inner ear disorders.     

Long-term hearing outcomes after recurrent acute otitis media during early childhood

Objective: To survey long-term hearing outcomes and middle ear pathology in a 30-year follow-up in individuals with onset of recurrent acute otitis media (rAOM) before three years of age.

Methods: 28 adults, aged 30.1–31.8 years, who originally – at the age of 12–32 months – participated in a study on rAOM between 1979 and 1983, were re-examined regarding self-reported ear problems, current tympanic membrane changes and audiology. Thirteen subjects had suffered from rAOM during early childhood and 15 subjects served as a control group.

Results: Recurrent acute otitis media subjects reported hearing problems comparable to those of the controls. Pure tone audiometry, at 125–8000?Hz, did not differ between groups. The rAOM group had a trend for impaired high-frequency (9000–14,000?Hz) threshold levels (9000–14,000?Hz); implying that their cochlear function seemed to have deteriorated.

Conclusions: Adults, who suffered from recurrent acute otitis media as infants, did not show any clinically significant hearing loss for pure tone audiometry when compared to controls, but there was a trend for impaired results regarding extended high frequency audiometry (9–14?kHz). Children suffering from rAOM will be at low risk of developing hearing loss and severe middle ear disease.