The cochlea is one of the most complex organs in the human body,exhibiting a complex interplay of characteristics in acoustic,mechanical,electrical,and biological functions.Functional cochlea models are an essential p...The cochlea is one of the most complex organs in the human body,exhibiting a complex interplay of characteristics in acoustic,mechanical,electrical,and biological functions.Functional cochlea models are an essential platform for studying hearing mechanics and are crucial for developing next-generation auditory prostheses and artificial hearing systems for sensorineural hearing restoration.Recent advances in additive manufacturing,organ-on-a-chip models,drug delivery platforms,and artificial intelligence have provided valuable insights into how to manufacture artificial cochlea models that more accurately replicate the complex anatomy and physiology of the inner ear.This paper reviews recent advancements in the applications of advanced manufacturing techniques in reproducing the physical,biological,and intelligent functions of the cochlea.It also outlines the current challenges to developing mechanically,electrically,and anatomically accurate functional models of the inner ear.Finally,this review identifies the major requirements and outlook for impactful research in this field going forward.Through interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation,these functional cochlea models are poised to drive significant advancements in hearing treatments,and ultimately enhance the quality of life for individuals with hearing loss.展开更多
Background Sudden sensorineural hearing loss(SSNHL)is a rapid condition of hearing impairment,typically occurring over 72 hours and affecting the inner ear or auditory nerve pathways.The etiology of SSNHL remains larg...Background Sudden sensorineural hearing loss(SSNHL)is a rapid condition of hearing impairment,typically occurring over 72 hours and affecting the inner ear or auditory nerve pathways.The etiology of SSNHL remains largely idiopathic,with potential causes including viral infections,vascular occlusions,and autoimmune disorders.Traditional treatment primarily involves systemic corticosteroids,but their efficacy is inconsistent,leading to exploring alternative and adjunctive therapies such as intratympanic steroid(ITS)injections.Objective This Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis intends to determine the effectiveness of ITS injections as an initial treatment,combined therapy,or salvage treatment for SSNHL compared to systemic steroids alone.Methods An inclusive study was performed through the PubMed,Scopus,Web of Science,and Cochrane Library databases,encompassing publications published from 2015 to 2024.Case-control studies,cohort studies,randomized controlled trials(RCTs),and systematic reviews were included.Two separate reviewers read the studies and extracted data on steroid administration methods,study outcomes,and risk of bias(ROB)using the Cochrane Collaboration Tool and RevMan 5.4.Results The review included 12 studies with varied designs,including prospective RCTs,systematic reviews,and retrospective analyses.Combined ITS and systemic steroid therapy showed superior hearing recovery compared to systemic steroids alone in several studies.ITS alone demonstrated variable efficacy,with some studies indicating benefits,particularly as a salvage therapy.ROB assessment revealed variability in methodological rigor,with studies like those of Li&Ding et al.(2020)and Devantier et al.(2022)showing low risk,while others exhibited higher risks,particularly in random sequence generation and allocation concealment.Conclusion The findings suggest that ITS injections,particularly when combined with systemic steroids,can enhance hearing recovery in SSNHL patients.However,variability in study outcomes and methodological quality underscores the need for standardized protocols and further high-quality RCTs.This analysis underscores the prospective advantages of ITS therapy while stressing the need for stringent study designs to enhance SSNHL treatment methodologies.展开更多
The mammalian cochlea relies on outer and inner hair cells(OHCs/IHCs)for sound amplification and signal transmission.Rab3-interacting molecular binding protein 2(RIMBP2),expressed in receptor cells and neurons at syna...The mammalian cochlea relies on outer and inner hair cells(OHCs/IHCs)for sound amplification and signal transmission.Rab3-interacting molecular binding protein 2(RIMBP2),expressed in receptor cells and neurons at synaptic active zones,remains poorly characterized in hearing.We therefore generated a Rimbp2 knockout(KO)mouse model(Rimbp^(2-/-)),which exhibited severe hearing loss with elevated thresholds,prolonged latencies,and reduced amplitudes in auditory brainstem response Wave I.OHC loss via apoptosis was correlated with threshold elevation.In IHCs,patch-clamp recordings revealed reduced exocytosis,including a diminished readily-releasable pool,impaired sustained release,and blocked fast endocytosis.Immunostaining showed unchanged ribbon synapse numbers but positional shifts in the basal pole of KO IHCs.These findings demonstrated RIMBP2’s essential role in OHC survival and its broader regulatory functions in IHC synaptic transmission than previously recognized.展开更多
Background and Objectives:The perception of sound in the vertical plane supports spatial hearing by enabling listeners to detect sources located above and below.Sounds originating from both the front and back elevatio...Background and Objectives:The perception of sound in the vertical plane supports spatial hearing by enabling listeners to detect sources located above and below.Sounds originating from both the front and back elevations along the mid-sagittal plane further contribute to a three-dimensional auditory experience.This study aimed to characterize the variability in vertical sound localization abilities among normal-hearing(NH)individuals using spatialized audio.Materials and Methods:Fifty-one NH participants(aged 18 to 35 years)completed three vertical localization tasks under headphones as part of a single-group,within-subject experimental study.These tasks included two-plane identification:(1)top-down localization,(2)front-back localization,and one discrimination task in the front plane.Hierarchical Cluster Analysis(HCA)was employed to identify distinct patterns in spatial localization profiles specific to the vertical-median plane.Fisher's Discriminant Function Analysis(FDA)was used to validate the accuracy of HCA and estimate classification error.Results:HCA revealed three distinct listener clusters:(1)cluster 1 with good performance across all three tasks,(2)cluster 2 with selective impairment in top-bottom identification,and(3)cluster 3 with selective deficits in front-back identification.FDA validated group membership of the clusters identified by the HCA,with a prediction accuracy of 98%.Conclusions:Individuals with clinically NH exhibited three distinct vertical localization profiles:uniform performers,those impaired in top-bottom identification,and those impaired in front-back identification.These profiles may be linked to the interplay between acoustic and non-acoustic perceptual factors.展开更多
Background:Brucellosis is a zoonotic infection common in Mediterranean countries and the Middle East.Neurological involvement,although rare,can lead to severe complications,including sensorineural hearing loss(SNHL).T...Background:Brucellosis is a zoonotic infection common in Mediterranean countries and the Middle East.Neurological involvement,although rare,can lead to severe complications,including sensorineural hearing loss(SNHL).This case is particularly noteworthy as it highlights irreversible auditory nerve damage in brucellosis,emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis and treatment to prevent permanent neurological consequences.The novelty of this case lies in the severity of auditory involvement despite timely treatment.Case Presentation:A 43-year-old male farmer of Maghrebi origin presented with neurobrucellosis complicated by severe,irreversible bilateral sensorineural hearing loss.The patient initially reported symptoms of hearing loss and dizziness,which were confirmed to be associated with auditory nerve involvement.Wright's serology and polymerase chain reaction(PCR)testing confirmed brucellosis.Despite appropriate and prolonged antibiotic therapy,including drugs that penetrate the meningeal barrier and act intracellularly,the patient's auditory impairment remained permanent.The patient is currently a candidate for cochlear implantation to manage his severe hearing loss.Neurological symptoms did not improve with treatment,but cochlear implantation may offer a potential solution to his hearing deficit.Conclusions:This case highlights the importance of early recognition and intervention in brucellosis cases,particularly those with neurological involvement.Delayed diagnosis and treatment can result in irreversible neurological damage.It also underscores the potential for cochlear implantation in patients with severe,irreversible sensorineural hearing loss caused by neurobrucellosis.Cochlear implantation offers an important solution for patients with brucellosis-related hearing deficits,improving their quality of life despite the neurological damage caused by the infection.展开更多
Ossiculoplasty remains a challenging surgical procedure,with outcomes heavily influenced by diverse anatomical and pathological factors.Over the decades,numerous scoring systems have been developed to predict the prog...Ossiculoplasty remains a challenging surgical procedure,with outcomes heavily influenced by diverse anatomical and pathological factors.Over the decades,numerous scoring systems have been developed to predict the prognosis of ossiculoplasty,each emphasizing different variables such as ossicular status,middle ear environment,and surgical history.This paper provides a comprehensive review of the evolution of prognostic scoring systems,including Austin's original ossicular classification,Bellucci's otorrhea staging,the Middle Ear Risk Index(MERI),the Ossiculoplasty Outcome Parameter Staging(OOPS),and the recently introduced Ear Environment Risk(EER)scale.While these systems have significantly contributed to preoperative assessment,each presents notable limitations in encompassing all variables affecting surgical success.Therefore,the aim of this paper is to provide a review of the ossiculoplasty prognostic scores and show the benefits,innovations and gaps associated with each.To address these gaps,a novel,modified scoring system is proposed,incorporating previously overlooked but clinically significant factors such as tympanic membrane status,type of tympanoplasty,ossicular replacement material,CT scan findings,and the presence of complicated ear conditions.By synthesizing elements from historical scores with updated clinical insights,the proposed system aims to provide a more holistic and predictive framework for preoperative evaluation.Future multicenter studies are encouraged to validate the efficacy and prognostic power of this new scoring system,with the goal of improving surgical planning and patient counseling in ossiculoplasty.展开更多
Tinnitus:the hearing of a sound that has not been produced by any external or internal source,is a rather heterogeneous hearing disorder.Background/Objectives:Hearing loss has been shown to be the main risk factor for...Tinnitus:the hearing of a sound that has not been produced by any external or internal source,is a rather heterogeneous hearing disorder.Background/Objectives:Hearing loss has been shown to be the main risk factor for tinnitus while emotional disorders are risk factors for developing intrusive or bothersome tinnitus.Moreover,aging has also been identified as another risk factor.The aim of this paper was to analyse the correlation between hearing loss,age and tinnitus severity in a cohort of 610 tinnitus sufferers.Methods:Age,audiometric(hearing condition)and tinnitus(time duration and severity)data were assessed and analysed for all subjects just after recruiting(baseline).Furthermore,the average hearing loss(HL)curves of the participants for age groups were compared to these with the corresponding Age Related HL(ARHL).Results:For most of the age groups,the measured HL curves exceeded in 10-20 dB those of the ARHL.The average age of tinnitus onset(age minus tinnitus duration)was found to be 44-46 years in both men and women.Weak correlation between audiometric feature and tinnitus distress was observed.Conclusions:Hearing loss has been shown to be a clear risk factor for triggering tinnitus(86%of participants were hearing impaired).In this cohort,average measures of hearing loss showed,at most,weak associations with tinnitus-related distress,suggesting that non-audiological factors may play a predominant role.展开更多
Cochlear hair cell(HC)damage is a primary cause of sensorineural hearing loss.In this study,we performed metabolomic profiling of cochlear sensory epithelium following neomycin-induced HC injury and identified elevate...Cochlear hair cell(HC)damage is a primary cause of sensorineural hearing loss.In this study,we performed metabolomic profiling of cochlear sensory epithelium following neomycin-induced HC injury and identified elevated arginine metabolism as a key metabolic characteristic of damaged HCs.Using a highly sensitive and specific biosensor,we confirmed that injury induced an increase in arginine levels within cochlear HCs.By manipulating the levels of arginine and its downstream metabolites,we discovered that unmetabolized arginine exerts a strong protective effect on cochlear HCs,independent of its downstream metabolites,such as nitric oxide.Furthermore,integrated metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses revealed that arginine plays a critical role in reprogramming phospholipid metabolism.Arginine supplementation enhanced membrane phospholipid saturation through the Lands cycle and de novo lipogenesis,and protected HCs from phospholipid peroxidation-induced membrane damage and subsequent cell death.Notably,arginine supplementation protected hearing from both noise-and aminoglycoside-induced injury in mice.These findings underscore the role of unmetabolized arginine in modulating phospholipid metabolism and preventing membrane damage in cochlear HCs,highlighting that targeting phospholipid metabolism is an effective hearing protection strategy.展开更多
Cisplatin is a widely-used chemotherapeutic agent,but its dose-limiting ototoxicity often results in irreversible hearing loss.The pathogenesis involves oxidative stress,apoptosis,DNA damage,and inflammatory responses...Cisplatin is a widely-used chemotherapeutic agent,but its dose-limiting ototoxicity often results in irreversible hearing loss.The pathogenesis involves oxidative stress,apoptosis,DNA damage,and inflammatory responses,yet effective preventive strategies remain limited.Here,we demonstrate that magnesium hydride(MgH_(2)),a hydrogen-releasing compound,provides robust protection against cisplatin-induced hearing loss.Our results showed that MgH_(2)protected auditory function and preserved cochlear hair cells in vivo.Furthermore,it significantly attenuated cisplatin-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis in cultured HEI-OC1(House Ear Institute-Organ of Corti 1)cells and cochlear explants.Notably,MgH_(2)suppressed NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3(NLRP3)-mediated inflammatory cascades,thereby limiting downstream inflammatory damage.These findings revealed that MgH_(2)alleviated cisplatin-induced hearing loss through integrated antioxidant,anti-inflammatory,and anti-apoptotic pathways,with NLRP3 identified as a critical regulatory molecule.Collectively,our study provides compelling evidence for MgH_(2)as a potential therapeutic candidate for the prevention of cisplatin-induced hearing loss.展开更多
Circadian sensitivity significantly influences the severity of noise-induced hearing loss(NIHL),but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear.Here,we applied single-cell RNA sequencing to 97,043 cochlear cells,identify...Circadian sensitivity significantly influences the severity of noise-induced hearing loss(NIHL),but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear.Here,we applied single-cell RNA sequencing to 97,043 cochlear cells,identifying macrophages as the primary immune responders to acoustic trauma,with a notable increase in their proportion in the cochlea.Immunofluorescence confirmed significant recruitment and activation of cochlear macrophages following noise exposure,while in vivo macrophage depletion resulted in the recovery of hearing.Furthermore,analyses of differentially-expressed genes and pathways revealed pronounced activation of NLRP3 inflammasome signaling in macrophages during night-time noise exposure.Measurements of elevated IL-1βand IL-18 expression in cochlear macrophages by multiplex immunohistochemistry correlated with heightened inflammation in the night-time exposure group.These findings were further confirmed by the administration of the selective NLRP3 inhibitor CY-09,which mitigated inflammasome activation,preserved synaptic integrity,and protect against hearing loss.In conclusion,our findings underscore the role of macrophage-driven NLRP3 inflammasome activation in mediating circadian variations in cochlear damage,offering a potential therapeutic target for mitigating NIHL.展开更多
Background:Early Hearing Detection and Intervention(EHDI)plays a critical role in improving language,cognitive,and socio-emotional outcomes for infants with hearing loss.In Nigeria,however,EHDI implementation remains ...Background:Early Hearing Detection and Intervention(EHDI)plays a critical role in improving language,cognitive,and socio-emotional outcomes for infants with hearing loss.In Nigeria,however,EHDI implementation remains limited by fragmented service delivery,uneven technological capacity,and sociocultural factors that delay timely diagnosis.This study explored the perspectives of paediatric audiologists and parents to provide a comprehensive understanding of the opportunities and challenges influencing early hearing care across diverse Nigerian settings.Methods:A mixed-methods design was employed across audiology facilities selected systematically from four Nigerian geopolitical zones.Twenty-five paediatric audiologists and twenty-three parents of children with congenital hearing loss participated.Quantitative data were collected using a structured questionnaire assessing awareness,diagnostic access,and intervention experiences.Qualitative data were obtained through semi-structured interviews and two focus group discussions.Thematic analysis followed Braun and Clarke's six-step framework,with dual coding,external auditing,and member validation to enhance credibility.Results:Quantitative findings demonstrated broad agreement on the diagnostic value of otoacoustic emissions(OAEs)and automated auditory brainstem responses(AABRs),the developmental benefits of early intervention,and the importance of active parental involvement.However,respondents identified persistent barriers including high costs of screening and therapy,poor public awareness of early hearing loss symptoms,and a critical shortage of trained personnel,and unequal distribution of diagnostic tools,particularly in rural and northern regions.Thematic analysis further underscored disparities in diagnostic capacity,sociocultural interpretations of deafness that delay clinical consultation,and economic constraints that hinder continuity of care.While families who accessed early intervention reported improved communication,social engagement,and learning readiness in their children,systemic gaps continue to limit widespread success.Conclusions:Despite growing technological capacity and awareness of EHDI benefits,significant structural,financial,and sociocultural challenges continue to impede timely diagnosis and intervention in Nigeria.Strengthening national policies,ensuring equitable distribution of diagnostic tools,expanding professional training,subsidising services,implementing culturally sensitive awareness campaigns and integration of Universal Newborn Hearing Screening into routine postnatal care are essential to improving outcomes for deaf infants.展开更多
Blast injuries are common among the military service members and veterans.One of the devastating effects of blast wave induced TBI is either temporary or permanent hearing loss.Treating hearing loss using minocycline ...Blast injuries are common among the military service members and veterans.One of the devastating effects of blast wave induced TBI is either temporary or permanent hearing loss.Treating hearing loss using minocycline is restricted by optimal drug concentration,route of administration,and its half-life.Therefore,therapeutic approach using novel therapeutic delivery method is in great need.Among the different delivery methods,nanotechnology-based drug delivery is desirable,which can achieve longer systemic circulation,pass through some biological barriers and specifically targets desired sites.The current study aimed to examine therapeutic effect of minocycline and its nanoparticle formulation in moderate blast induced hearing loss rat model through central auditory system.The I.v.administered nanoparticle at reduced dose and frequency than regularly administered toxic dose.After moderate blast exposure,rats had hearing impairment as determined by ABR at 7-and 30-days post exposure.In chronic condition,free minocycline also showed the significant reduction in ABR threshold.In central auditory system,it is found in this study that minocycline nanoparticles ameliorate excitation in inferior colliculus;and astrocytes and microglia activation after the blast exposure is reduced by minocycline nanoparticles administration.The study demonstrated that in moderate blast induced hearing loss,minocycline and its nanoparticle formulation exhibited the optimal therapeutic effect on the recovery of the ABR impairment and a protective effect through central auditory system.In conclusion,targeted and non-targeted nanoparticle formulation have therapeutic effect on blast induced hearing loss.展开更多
Background Sudden sensorineural hearing loss(SSNHL)is a common disease in otology,and steroids play an important role in its treatment.Steroids can be administered systemically or locally,and the efficacies of differe...Background Sudden sensorineural hearing loss(SSNHL)is a common disease in otology,and steroids play an important role in its treatment.Steroids can be administered systemically or locally,and the efficacies of different administration routes remain controversial.Methods We searched the Cochrane,EMBASE,PubMed,Web of Science,CNKI,Wanfang and Weipu databases for randomized controlled trials(RCTs)on glucocorticoid treatments for SSNHL to compare the efficacy of topical and systemic steroid administration.The Review Manager 5.4 software was used for synthesis of data:the rate of reported hearing improvement and change in pure-tone audiometry(PTA).Results In all the included studies,when intratympanic administration was compared to systemic therapies,the risk difference(RD)using reported hearing improvement as an outcome measure was 0.08(95%CI:0.01–0.14,I2=45%).Using PTA changes as an outcome measure in 4 studies,the mean difference(MD)was 10.43 dB(95%CI:3.68–17.18,I2=81%).Hearing improvement RD was also compared among different types of steroid,recovery criteria,follow-up times and diagnostic criteria,and showed no significant differences exception for recovery criteria(>10 dB)(RD-0.06,95%CI:0.14-0.2,I2=0%).Conclusion As the initial treatment for SSNHL,topical steroids seem to be superior to systemic steroid administration,especially in patients with contraindications to systemic steroids usage.However,further verification based on high-quality research is needed.展开更多
Objective:To evaluate the efficacy and safety of intratympanic and systemic steroid therapies in the initial treatment of Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SSNHL) patients. Methods:A comprehensive search of PubMed, ...Objective:To evaluate the efficacy and safety of intratympanic and systemic steroid therapies in the initial treatment of Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SSNHL) patients. Methods:A comprehensive search of PubMed, Wanfang database and CNKI (China National Knowledge Infrastructure) was performed covering the period from January 1990 to July 2014. A meta-analysis was conducted after filtering by the criteria of Cochrane Collaboration. Three hundred fifty six subjects in nine studies allocated to the group of intratympanic steroid therapies and 343 controls receiving systemic steroid therapies met the criteria for meta-analysis. The data were extracted and analyzed using the RevMan 5.3 meta-analysis software. Results: The total effectiveness rate in SSNHL patients receiving intratympanic steroid therapies did not differ statistically from patients receiving systemic therapies (RR ? 1.08, 95%CI ? 0.99e1.99, P ? 0.10), although the rate of full hearing recovery in this group differed significantly from patients receiving systemic therapies (RR ? 1.29, 95%CI ? 1.00e1.66, P ? 0.05). Conclusion: Local steroid therapy appears to generate higher rate of complete hearing recovery than systemic steroid treatment as an initial treatment for SSNHL, which may be especially useful for patients in whom systemic steroids are contraindicated.展开更多
Aminoglycosides are a widely used class of antibacterials renowned for their effectiveness and broad antimicrobial spectrum.However,their use leads to irreversible hearing damage by causing apoptosis of hair cells as ...Aminoglycosides are a widely used class of antibacterials renowned for their effectiveness and broad antimicrobial spectrum.However,their use leads to irreversible hearing damage by causing apoptosis of hair cells as their direct target.In addition,the hearing damage caused by aminoglycosides involves damage of spiral ganglion neurons upon exposure.To investigate the mechanisms underlying spiral ganglion neuron degeneration induced by aminoglycosides,we used a C57BL/6J mouse model treated with kanamycin.We found that the mice exhibited auditory deficits following the acute loss of outer hair cells.Spiral ganglion neurons displayed hallmarks of pyroptosis and exhibited progressive degeneration over time.Transcriptomic profiling of these neurons showed significant upregulation of genes associated with inflammation and immune response,particularly those related to the NLRP3 inflammasome.Activation of the canonical pyroptotic pathway in spiral ganglion neurons was observed,accompanied by infiltration of macrophages and the release of proinflammatory cytokines.Pharmacological intervention targeting NLRP3 using Mcc950 and genetic intervention using NLRP3 knockout ameliorated spiral ganglion neuron degeneration in the injury model.These findings suggest that NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated pyroptosis plays a role in aminoglycoside-induced spiral ganglion neuron degeneration.Inhibition of this pathway may offer a potential therapeutic strategy for treating sensorineural hearing loss by reducing spiral ganglion neuron degeneration.展开更多
Although congenital sensorineural hearing loss (SHL) in the bilateral cochleae mainly results from genetic abnormalities, chronic SHL progressing in later life is often influenced by systemic immune disturbances, incl...Although congenital sensorineural hearing loss (SHL) in the bilateral cochleae mainly results from genetic abnormalities, chronic SHL progressing in later life is often influenced by systemic immune disturbances, including autoimmunity, chronic inflammation, and immunosenescence. We have investigated the relationship between the inner ear and systemic immunity and reviewed the possibilities to prevent SHL, including autoimmune SHL and age-related SHL. We also demonstrated two lymphocyte populations, interleukin 1 receptor type II (IL-1R2)-positive T cells (T1R2) and naturally occurring regulatory T cells (nTregs) in CD4+ T cells, which increase with aging, suppress host immune function and promote organ degeneration. Alterations in systemic immunity by fewer microbial antigen challenges in the living environment, elimination of immune suppressive lymphocytes, or immune rejuvenation with a reconstituted thymus may contribute not only to renew the cochlear function in SHL, but also to extend the healthy life of functional organs in a vigorous and youthful body, one of humanity’s greatest dreams.展开更多
Background: Lassa fever is a viral haemorrhagic fever associated with several complications which include hearing loss. Hearing loss in Lassa fever may become residual with its negative impact on the quality of life. ...Background: Lassa fever is a viral haemorrhagic fever associated with several complications which include hearing loss. Hearing loss in Lassa fever may become residual with its negative impact on the quality of life. Purpose: This paper is a review of various studies on Lassa fever related hearing loss. Methods: Systematic literature review was done on articles on Lassa fever patients and Lassa fever survivors. Relevant articles published in English between 1969 and 2021 were searched for using Google Scholar and PubMed databases. Eight studies which met the inclusion criteria were finally selected and included in the review. The variables of interest were extracted from the full-text articles. Results: Lassa fever related hearing loss occurs in both sexes and in all age groups. The incidence of self-reported hearing loss ranged from 12.5% to 30% with a mean of 17.6%. The incidence of audiometrically determined sensorineural hearing loss ranged from 13.5% to 29% with a mean of 22.1%. Hearing loss persisted in 64% of those that were followed up. Cases of hearing loss varied in severity, ranging from mild to profound. No successful specific treatment for Lassa fever related hearing loss was reported apart from hearing rehabilitation. Conclusion: Hearing loss among Lassa fever patients remains a major challenge. Lack of effective treatment for Lassa fever related hearing loss is a serious gap in the management of Lassa fever patients which should be addressed in future research.展开更多
Telemedicine is defined as a system that allows healthcare workers to deliver their services and consultations to the patients remotely without the need of their physical presence within academic institutions, hospita...Telemedicine is defined as a system that allows healthcare workers to deliver their services and consultations to the patients remotely without the need of their physical presence within academic institutions, hospitals, and medical clinics aiming to reduce the personal contact and limiting it to the need only. The field of telemedicine is growing every day and facilitating more flexible services for patients around the world especially during COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: This systematic review was conducted according to the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews. Database search was made on several databases including PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, Publons, EMBASE, and Google Scholar using the relevant keywords. Inclusion criteria for articles in our study included the following original research (primary research articles), addressing the efficacy of teleaudiology for hearing aids programming and satisfaction of patients. Results: Seven studies were included in this systematic review article. Included studies were assessed using Cochrane handbook guidelines. Conclusions: The results of this work based on the currently available literature denote that remote programming for the hearing aids using modern technology is effective and provide comparable results with the standard face-to-face clinic programming, even for patients with no previous experience in hearing aids fitting in either of in-person physical presence programming or remotely over the internet using teleconferencing which is known as teleaudiology. Most of the results were positive and support the continuity to develop better facilities to improve the teleaudiology to be an essential part of hearing aids programming with its different types. Minimal results provided negative impact from the participating patients, this resulted because of the non-upgraded infrastructure and facilities of the audiology clinic or the personal computer of the patient in his home/ workplace or both sides don’t have enough specifications to smoothly perform this modern approach.展开更多
Avian vocal communication represents one of the most intricate forms of animal language,playing a critical role in behavioral interactions.Both peripheral and central auditory-vocal pathways are essential for precisel...Avian vocal communication represents one of the most intricate forms of animal language,playing a critical role in behavioral interactions.Both peripheral and central auditory-vocal pathways are essential for precisely integrating acoustic signals,ensuring effective communication.Like humans,songbirds exhibit vocal learning behaviors supported by complex neural mechanisms.However,unlike most mammals,songbirds possess the remarkable ability to regenerate damaged auditory cells.These capabilities offer unique opportunities to explore how birds adjust their vocal behavior and auditory processing in response to dynamic environmental conditions.Recent studies have advanced our understanding of the plasticity of avian vocal communication system,yet the vocal diversity and neurophysiological mechanisms underlying vocalization and hearing have often been examined independently.A comprehensive overview of how these systems interact and adapt in birds remains lacking.To address this gap,this review synthesizes the peripheral and central features of avian vocalization and hearing,while also exploring the mechanisms that drive the remarkable plasticity of these systems.Furthermore,it explores seasonal variations in bird vocalization and hearing and adaptations to environmental noise,focusing on how hormonal,neural,and ecological factors together shape vocal behavior and auditory sensitivity.Avian vocal communication systems present an exceptional model for studying the integration of peripheral and central vocal-auditory pathways and their adaptive responses to ever-changing environments.This review underscores the dynamic interactions between avian vocal communication systems and environmental stimuli,offering new insights into broader principles of sensory processing,and neuroplasticity.展开更多
Purpose To investigate the perinatal risk factors for conductive hearing loss(CHL)in infancy and develop an initial prediction model to facilitate accurate diagnosis and early detection of CHL.Method This retrospectiv...Purpose To investigate the perinatal risk factors for conductive hearing loss(CHL)in infancy and develop an initial prediction model to facilitate accurate diagnosis and early detection of CHL.Method This retrospective study utilized data from the Newborn Cohort Study of Hearing Loss(ChiCTR2100049765).Infants who underwent diagnostic audiological assessments at our hospital between January 2003 and June 2024 were included.Data analysis was conducted using R(version 4.4.1)to construct an initial prediction model for CHL in infancy,applying the LASSO regression technique.Results A total of 661 infants(1322 ears)were included,with 1253 ears in the normal hearing group and 69 ears in the CHL group.Statistically significant differences were observed between the groups in the following factors:parent-reported infant response to sound,craniofacial deformities,neonatal hemolysis,jaundice treatment,and neonatal hypoglycemia.A multivariate prediction model and nomogram for CHL in infancy were developed and validated,achieving an accuracy of 92.5%and a specificity of 91.3%.Conclusions This study identified key risk factors for CHL in infancy and developed a preliminary predictive model,improving the diagnostic accuracy for CHL.Improved diagnostic precision can decrease misdiagnoses,reduce delays in treatment,and limit unnecessary antimicrobial prescriptions for infants.展开更多
基金support from the UCL GRS/ORS scholarshipUCL Fellowship Incubator Award+9 种基金supported by the NIHR Cambridge Biomedical Research Centre(NIHR203312)funded by the Royal National Institute for Deaf People(RNID,G100138)funded by the Rosetrees Trust Enterprise Fellowship(EF2020100099)RNID Flexigrant(F112)Wellcome Trust Developing Concept Fund(RG93172/BANCE/40181)by the Evelyn Trustfunded by the Woolf Fisher Trust,New Zealandthe Cambridge Commonwealth,European,&International Trustby Trinity CollegeUniversity of Cambridge。
文摘The cochlea is one of the most complex organs in the human body,exhibiting a complex interplay of characteristics in acoustic,mechanical,electrical,and biological functions.Functional cochlea models are an essential platform for studying hearing mechanics and are crucial for developing next-generation auditory prostheses and artificial hearing systems for sensorineural hearing restoration.Recent advances in additive manufacturing,organ-on-a-chip models,drug delivery platforms,and artificial intelligence have provided valuable insights into how to manufacture artificial cochlea models that more accurately replicate the complex anatomy and physiology of the inner ear.This paper reviews recent advancements in the applications of advanced manufacturing techniques in reproducing the physical,biological,and intelligent functions of the cochlea.It also outlines the current challenges to developing mechanically,electrically,and anatomically accurate functional models of the inner ear.Finally,this review identifies the major requirements and outlook for impactful research in this field going forward.Through interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation,these functional cochlea models are poised to drive significant advancements in hearing treatments,and ultimately enhance the quality of life for individuals with hearing loss.
文摘Background Sudden sensorineural hearing loss(SSNHL)is a rapid condition of hearing impairment,typically occurring over 72 hours and affecting the inner ear or auditory nerve pathways.The etiology of SSNHL remains largely idiopathic,with potential causes including viral infections,vascular occlusions,and autoimmune disorders.Traditional treatment primarily involves systemic corticosteroids,but their efficacy is inconsistent,leading to exploring alternative and adjunctive therapies such as intratympanic steroid(ITS)injections.Objective This Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis intends to determine the effectiveness of ITS injections as an initial treatment,combined therapy,or salvage treatment for SSNHL compared to systemic steroids alone.Methods An inclusive study was performed through the PubMed,Scopus,Web of Science,and Cochrane Library databases,encompassing publications published from 2015 to 2024.Case-control studies,cohort studies,randomized controlled trials(RCTs),and systematic reviews were included.Two separate reviewers read the studies and extracted data on steroid administration methods,study outcomes,and risk of bias(ROB)using the Cochrane Collaboration Tool and RevMan 5.4.Results The review included 12 studies with varied designs,including prospective RCTs,systematic reviews,and retrospective analyses.Combined ITS and systemic steroid therapy showed superior hearing recovery compared to systemic steroids alone in several studies.ITS alone demonstrated variable efficacy,with some studies indicating benefits,particularly as a salvage therapy.ROB assessment revealed variability in methodological rigor,with studies like those of Li&Ding et al.(2020)and Devantier et al.(2022)showing low risk,while others exhibited higher risks,particularly in random sequence generation and allocation concealment.Conclusion The findings suggest that ITS injections,particularly when combined with systemic steroids,can enhance hearing recovery in SSNHL patients.However,variability in study outcomes and methodological quality underscores the need for standardized protocols and further high-quality RCTs.This analysis underscores the prospective advantages of ITS therapy while stressing the need for stringent study designs to enhance SSNHL treatment methodologies.
基金supported by grants from the National Key R&D Program of China(2021YFA1101300,2021YFA1101800,2020YFA0112503,and 2024YFC2511103)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(82330033,82030029,82401375,81970882,92149304,and 81970883)+7 种基金the Natural Science Foundation of Jiangsu Province(BK20232007)the Science and Technology Department of Sichuan Province(2021YFS0371)Shenzhen Fundamental Research Program(JCYJ20210324125608022)the Open Project Fund of Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences(YKY-KF202201)Beijing Natural Science Foundation(Z200019)the Jiangsu Provincial Scientific Research Center of Applied Mathematics(BK20233002)the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation(2023TQ0056,2023M730575,and GZC20230435)Jiangsu Funding Program for Excellent Postdoctoral Talent(2023ZB822).
文摘The mammalian cochlea relies on outer and inner hair cells(OHCs/IHCs)for sound amplification and signal transmission.Rab3-interacting molecular binding protein 2(RIMBP2),expressed in receptor cells and neurons at synaptic active zones,remains poorly characterized in hearing.We therefore generated a Rimbp2 knockout(KO)mouse model(Rimbp^(2-/-)),which exhibited severe hearing loss with elevated thresholds,prolonged latencies,and reduced amplitudes in auditory brainstem response Wave I.OHC loss via apoptosis was correlated with threshold elevation.In IHCs,patch-clamp recordings revealed reduced exocytosis,including a diminished readily-releasable pool,impaired sustained release,and blocked fast endocytosis.Immunostaining showed unchanged ribbon synapse numbers but positional shifts in the basal pole of KO IHCs.These findings demonstrated RIMBP2’s essential role in OHC survival and its broader regulatory functions in IHC synaptic transmission than previously recognized.
文摘Background and Objectives:The perception of sound in the vertical plane supports spatial hearing by enabling listeners to detect sources located above and below.Sounds originating from both the front and back elevations along the mid-sagittal plane further contribute to a three-dimensional auditory experience.This study aimed to characterize the variability in vertical sound localization abilities among normal-hearing(NH)individuals using spatialized audio.Materials and Methods:Fifty-one NH participants(aged 18 to 35 years)completed three vertical localization tasks under headphones as part of a single-group,within-subject experimental study.These tasks included two-plane identification:(1)top-down localization,(2)front-back localization,and one discrimination task in the front plane.Hierarchical Cluster Analysis(HCA)was employed to identify distinct patterns in spatial localization profiles specific to the vertical-median plane.Fisher's Discriminant Function Analysis(FDA)was used to validate the accuracy of HCA and estimate classification error.Results:HCA revealed three distinct listener clusters:(1)cluster 1 with good performance across all three tasks,(2)cluster 2 with selective impairment in top-bottom identification,and(3)cluster 3 with selective deficits in front-back identification.FDA validated group membership of the clusters identified by the HCA,with a prediction accuracy of 98%.Conclusions:Individuals with clinically NH exhibited three distinct vertical localization profiles:uniform performers,those impaired in top-bottom identification,and those impaired in front-back identification.These profiles may be linked to the interplay between acoustic and non-acoustic perceptual factors.
文摘Background:Brucellosis is a zoonotic infection common in Mediterranean countries and the Middle East.Neurological involvement,although rare,can lead to severe complications,including sensorineural hearing loss(SNHL).This case is particularly noteworthy as it highlights irreversible auditory nerve damage in brucellosis,emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis and treatment to prevent permanent neurological consequences.The novelty of this case lies in the severity of auditory involvement despite timely treatment.Case Presentation:A 43-year-old male farmer of Maghrebi origin presented with neurobrucellosis complicated by severe,irreversible bilateral sensorineural hearing loss.The patient initially reported symptoms of hearing loss and dizziness,which were confirmed to be associated with auditory nerve involvement.Wright's serology and polymerase chain reaction(PCR)testing confirmed brucellosis.Despite appropriate and prolonged antibiotic therapy,including drugs that penetrate the meningeal barrier and act intracellularly,the patient's auditory impairment remained permanent.The patient is currently a candidate for cochlear implantation to manage his severe hearing loss.Neurological symptoms did not improve with treatment,but cochlear implantation may offer a potential solution to his hearing deficit.Conclusions:This case highlights the importance of early recognition and intervention in brucellosis cases,particularly those with neurological involvement.Delayed diagnosis and treatment can result in irreversible neurological damage.It also underscores the potential for cochlear implantation in patients with severe,irreversible sensorineural hearing loss caused by neurobrucellosis.Cochlear implantation offers an important solution for patients with brucellosis-related hearing deficits,improving their quality of life despite the neurological damage caused by the infection.
文摘Ossiculoplasty remains a challenging surgical procedure,with outcomes heavily influenced by diverse anatomical and pathological factors.Over the decades,numerous scoring systems have been developed to predict the prognosis of ossiculoplasty,each emphasizing different variables such as ossicular status,middle ear environment,and surgical history.This paper provides a comprehensive review of the evolution of prognostic scoring systems,including Austin's original ossicular classification,Bellucci's otorrhea staging,the Middle Ear Risk Index(MERI),the Ossiculoplasty Outcome Parameter Staging(OOPS),and the recently introduced Ear Environment Risk(EER)scale.While these systems have significantly contributed to preoperative assessment,each presents notable limitations in encompassing all variables affecting surgical success.Therefore,the aim of this paper is to provide a review of the ossiculoplasty prognostic scores and show the benefits,innovations and gaps associated with each.To address these gaps,a novel,modified scoring system is proposed,incorporating previously overlooked but clinically significant factors such as tympanic membrane status,type of tympanoplasty,ossicular replacement material,CT scan findings,and the presence of complicated ear conditions.By synthesizing elements from historical scores with updated clinical insights,the proposed system aims to provide a more holistic and predictive framework for preoperative evaluation.Future multicenter studies are encouraged to validate the efficacy and prognostic power of this new scoring system,with the goal of improving surgical planning and patient counseling in ossiculoplasty.
文摘Tinnitus:the hearing of a sound that has not been produced by any external or internal source,is a rather heterogeneous hearing disorder.Background/Objectives:Hearing loss has been shown to be the main risk factor for tinnitus while emotional disorders are risk factors for developing intrusive or bothersome tinnitus.Moreover,aging has also been identified as another risk factor.The aim of this paper was to analyse the correlation between hearing loss,age and tinnitus severity in a cohort of 610 tinnitus sufferers.Methods:Age,audiometric(hearing condition)and tinnitus(time duration and severity)data were assessed and analysed for all subjects just after recruiting(baseline).Furthermore,the average hearing loss(HL)curves of the participants for age groups were compared to these with the corresponding Age Related HL(ARHL).Results:For most of the age groups,the measured HL curves exceeded in 10-20 dB those of the ARHL.The average age of tinnitus onset(age minus tinnitus duration)was found to be 44-46 years in both men and women.Weak correlation between audiometric feature and tinnitus distress was observed.Conclusions:Hearing loss has been shown to be a clear risk factor for triggering tinnitus(86%of participants were hearing impaired).In this cohort,average measures of hearing loss showed,at most,weak associations with tinnitus-related distress,suggesting that non-audiological factors may play a predominant role.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(82271159,82425018,82071049,81830029,82192860,81922018,82201283,82101219,and 82192861)Shanghai Clinical Medical Research Center for Otolaryngology Diseases(20MC1920200)the STI2030-Major Projects(2022ZD0205400).
文摘Cochlear hair cell(HC)damage is a primary cause of sensorineural hearing loss.In this study,we performed metabolomic profiling of cochlear sensory epithelium following neomycin-induced HC injury and identified elevated arginine metabolism as a key metabolic characteristic of damaged HCs.Using a highly sensitive and specific biosensor,we confirmed that injury induced an increase in arginine levels within cochlear HCs.By manipulating the levels of arginine and its downstream metabolites,we discovered that unmetabolized arginine exerts a strong protective effect on cochlear HCs,independent of its downstream metabolites,such as nitric oxide.Furthermore,integrated metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses revealed that arginine plays a critical role in reprogramming phospholipid metabolism.Arginine supplementation enhanced membrane phospholipid saturation through the Lands cycle and de novo lipogenesis,and protected HCs from phospholipid peroxidation-induced membrane damage and subsequent cell death.Notably,arginine supplementation protected hearing from both noise-and aminoglycoside-induced injury in mice.These findings underscore the role of unmetabolized arginine in modulating phospholipid metabolism and preventing membrane damage in cochlear HCs,highlighting that targeting phospholipid metabolism is an effective hearing protection strategy.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(82471166 and 82071040)the Medical-Engineering Interdisciplinary Research Foundation of Shanghai Jiao Tong University(YG2025QNB28)the Basic Science Research Foundation of Shanghai Sixth People’s Hospital(ynms202302).
文摘Cisplatin is a widely-used chemotherapeutic agent,but its dose-limiting ototoxicity often results in irreversible hearing loss.The pathogenesis involves oxidative stress,apoptosis,DNA damage,and inflammatory responses,yet effective preventive strategies remain limited.Here,we demonstrate that magnesium hydride(MgH_(2)),a hydrogen-releasing compound,provides robust protection against cisplatin-induced hearing loss.Our results showed that MgH_(2)protected auditory function and preserved cochlear hair cells in vivo.Furthermore,it significantly attenuated cisplatin-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis in cultured HEI-OC1(House Ear Institute-Organ of Corti 1)cells and cochlear explants.Notably,MgH_(2)suppressed NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3(NLRP3)-mediated inflammatory cascades,thereby limiting downstream inflammatory damage.These findings revealed that MgH_(2)alleviated cisplatin-induced hearing loss through integrated antioxidant,anti-inflammatory,and anti-apoptotic pathways,with NLRP3 identified as a critical regulatory molecule.Collectively,our study provides compelling evidence for MgH_(2)as a potential therapeutic candidate for the prevention of cisplatin-induced hearing loss.
基金supported by the Scientific and Innovative Action Plan of Shanghai(CN)(22Y11902000)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(82371144 and 82201273)+2 种基金the Cross-Disciplinary Research Fund of Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital,Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine(JYJC202231)the Shanghai Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine on Ear and Nose Diseases(14DZ2260300)We extend our gratitude to Prof.Hao Wu and the Shanghai Key Laboratory of Translational Medicine on Ear and Nose Diseases for providing essential resources and laboratory facilities,and to Prof.Lei Song and Prof.Zhiyong Liu for valuable insights and guidance.
文摘Circadian sensitivity significantly influences the severity of noise-induced hearing loss(NIHL),but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear.Here,we applied single-cell RNA sequencing to 97,043 cochlear cells,identifying macrophages as the primary immune responders to acoustic trauma,with a notable increase in their proportion in the cochlea.Immunofluorescence confirmed significant recruitment and activation of cochlear macrophages following noise exposure,while in vivo macrophage depletion resulted in the recovery of hearing.Furthermore,analyses of differentially-expressed genes and pathways revealed pronounced activation of NLRP3 inflammasome signaling in macrophages during night-time noise exposure.Measurements of elevated IL-1βand IL-18 expression in cochlear macrophages by multiplex immunohistochemistry correlated with heightened inflammation in the night-time exposure group.These findings were further confirmed by the administration of the selective NLRP3 inhibitor CY-09,which mitigated inflammasome activation,preserved synaptic integrity,and protect against hearing loss.In conclusion,our findings underscore the role of macrophage-driven NLRP3 inflammasome activation in mediating circadian variations in cochlear damage,offering a potential therapeutic target for mitigating NIHL.
文摘Background:Early Hearing Detection and Intervention(EHDI)plays a critical role in improving language,cognitive,and socio-emotional outcomes for infants with hearing loss.In Nigeria,however,EHDI implementation remains limited by fragmented service delivery,uneven technological capacity,and sociocultural factors that delay timely diagnosis.This study explored the perspectives of paediatric audiologists and parents to provide a comprehensive understanding of the opportunities and challenges influencing early hearing care across diverse Nigerian settings.Methods:A mixed-methods design was employed across audiology facilities selected systematically from four Nigerian geopolitical zones.Twenty-five paediatric audiologists and twenty-three parents of children with congenital hearing loss participated.Quantitative data were collected using a structured questionnaire assessing awareness,diagnostic access,and intervention experiences.Qualitative data were obtained through semi-structured interviews and two focus group discussions.Thematic analysis followed Braun and Clarke's six-step framework,with dual coding,external auditing,and member validation to enhance credibility.Results:Quantitative findings demonstrated broad agreement on the diagnostic value of otoacoustic emissions(OAEs)and automated auditory brainstem responses(AABRs),the developmental benefits of early intervention,and the importance of active parental involvement.However,respondents identified persistent barriers including high costs of screening and therapy,poor public awareness of early hearing loss symptoms,and a critical shortage of trained personnel,and unequal distribution of diagnostic tools,particularly in rural and northern regions.Thematic analysis further underscored disparities in diagnostic capacity,sociocultural interpretations of deafness that delay clinical consultation,and economic constraints that hinder continuity of care.While families who accessed early intervention reported improved communication,social engagement,and learning readiness in their children,systemic gaps continue to limit widespread success.Conclusions:Despite growing technological capacity and awareness of EHDI benefits,significant structural,financial,and sociocultural challenges continue to impede timely diagnosis and intervention in Nigeria.Strengthening national policies,ensuring equitable distribution of diagnostic tools,expanding professional training,subsidising services,implementing culturally sensitive awareness campaigns and integration of Universal Newborn Hearing Screening into routine postnatal care are essential to improving outcomes for deaf infants.
基金funding provided by Faculty seed grant (FSG) from NJIT, Newark, USA " (NC and Venkatesan Perumal).
文摘Blast injuries are common among the military service members and veterans.One of the devastating effects of blast wave induced TBI is either temporary or permanent hearing loss.Treating hearing loss using minocycline is restricted by optimal drug concentration,route of administration,and its half-life.Therefore,therapeutic approach using novel therapeutic delivery method is in great need.Among the different delivery methods,nanotechnology-based drug delivery is desirable,which can achieve longer systemic circulation,pass through some biological barriers and specifically targets desired sites.The current study aimed to examine therapeutic effect of minocycline and its nanoparticle formulation in moderate blast induced hearing loss rat model through central auditory system.The I.v.administered nanoparticle at reduced dose and frequency than regularly administered toxic dose.After moderate blast exposure,rats had hearing impairment as determined by ABR at 7-and 30-days post exposure.In chronic condition,free minocycline also showed the significant reduction in ABR threshold.In central auditory system,it is found in this study that minocycline nanoparticles ameliorate excitation in inferior colliculus;and astrocytes and microglia activation after the blast exposure is reduced by minocycline nanoparticles administration.The study demonstrated that in moderate blast induced hearing loss,minocycline and its nanoparticle formulation exhibited the optimal therapeutic effect on the recovery of the ABR impairment and a protective effect through central auditory system.In conclusion,targeted and non-targeted nanoparticle formulation have therapeutic effect on blast induced hearing loss.
文摘Background Sudden sensorineural hearing loss(SSNHL)is a common disease in otology,and steroids play an important role in its treatment.Steroids can be administered systemically or locally,and the efficacies of different administration routes remain controversial.Methods We searched the Cochrane,EMBASE,PubMed,Web of Science,CNKI,Wanfang and Weipu databases for randomized controlled trials(RCTs)on glucocorticoid treatments for SSNHL to compare the efficacy of topical and systemic steroid administration.The Review Manager 5.4 software was used for synthesis of data:the rate of reported hearing improvement and change in pure-tone audiometry(PTA).Results In all the included studies,when intratympanic administration was compared to systemic therapies,the risk difference(RD)using reported hearing improvement as an outcome measure was 0.08(95%CI:0.01–0.14,I2=45%).Using PTA changes as an outcome measure in 4 studies,the mean difference(MD)was 10.43 dB(95%CI:3.68–17.18,I2=81%).Hearing improvement RD was also compared among different types of steroid,recovery criteria,follow-up times and diagnostic criteria,and showed no significant differences exception for recovery criteria(>10 dB)(RD-0.06,95%CI:0.14-0.2,I2=0%).Conclusion As the initial treatment for SSNHL,topical steroids seem to be superior to systemic steroid administration,especially in patients with contraindications to systemic steroids usage.However,further verification based on high-quality research is needed.
文摘Objective:To evaluate the efficacy and safety of intratympanic and systemic steroid therapies in the initial treatment of Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SSNHL) patients. Methods:A comprehensive search of PubMed, Wanfang database and CNKI (China National Knowledge Infrastructure) was performed covering the period from January 1990 to July 2014. A meta-analysis was conducted after filtering by the criteria of Cochrane Collaboration. Three hundred fifty six subjects in nine studies allocated to the group of intratympanic steroid therapies and 343 controls receiving systemic steroid therapies met the criteria for meta-analysis. The data were extracted and analyzed using the RevMan 5.3 meta-analysis software. Results: The total effectiveness rate in SSNHL patients receiving intratympanic steroid therapies did not differ statistically from patients receiving systemic therapies (RR ? 1.08, 95%CI ? 0.99e1.99, P ? 0.10), although the rate of full hearing recovery in this group differed significantly from patients receiving systemic therapies (RR ? 1.29, 95%CI ? 1.00e1.66, P ? 0.05). Conclusion: Local steroid therapy appears to generate higher rate of complete hearing recovery than systemic steroid treatment as an initial treatment for SSNHL, which may be especially useful for patients in whom systemic steroids are contraindicated.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,Nos.81800919(to YX),82171140(to PW)the International Cooperation and Exchange of the National Natural Science Foundation of China,Nos.82020108008(to HS),81720108010(to SY).
文摘Aminoglycosides are a widely used class of antibacterials renowned for their effectiveness and broad antimicrobial spectrum.However,their use leads to irreversible hearing damage by causing apoptosis of hair cells as their direct target.In addition,the hearing damage caused by aminoglycosides involves damage of spiral ganglion neurons upon exposure.To investigate the mechanisms underlying spiral ganglion neuron degeneration induced by aminoglycosides,we used a C57BL/6J mouse model treated with kanamycin.We found that the mice exhibited auditory deficits following the acute loss of outer hair cells.Spiral ganglion neurons displayed hallmarks of pyroptosis and exhibited progressive degeneration over time.Transcriptomic profiling of these neurons showed significant upregulation of genes associated with inflammation and immune response,particularly those related to the NLRP3 inflammasome.Activation of the canonical pyroptotic pathway in spiral ganglion neurons was observed,accompanied by infiltration of macrophages and the release of proinflammatory cytokines.Pharmacological intervention targeting NLRP3 using Mcc950 and genetic intervention using NLRP3 knockout ameliorated spiral ganglion neuron degeneration in the injury model.These findings suggest that NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated pyroptosis plays a role in aminoglycoside-induced spiral ganglion neuron degeneration.Inhibition of this pathway may offer a potential therapeutic strategy for treating sensorineural hearing loss by reducing spiral ganglion neuron degeneration.
文摘Although congenital sensorineural hearing loss (SHL) in the bilateral cochleae mainly results from genetic abnormalities, chronic SHL progressing in later life is often influenced by systemic immune disturbances, including autoimmunity, chronic inflammation, and immunosenescence. We have investigated the relationship between the inner ear and systemic immunity and reviewed the possibilities to prevent SHL, including autoimmune SHL and age-related SHL. We also demonstrated two lymphocyte populations, interleukin 1 receptor type II (IL-1R2)-positive T cells (T1R2) and naturally occurring regulatory T cells (nTregs) in CD4+ T cells, which increase with aging, suppress host immune function and promote organ degeneration. Alterations in systemic immunity by fewer microbial antigen challenges in the living environment, elimination of immune suppressive lymphocytes, or immune rejuvenation with a reconstituted thymus may contribute not only to renew the cochlear function in SHL, but also to extend the healthy life of functional organs in a vigorous and youthful body, one of humanity’s greatest dreams.
文摘Background: Lassa fever is a viral haemorrhagic fever associated with several complications which include hearing loss. Hearing loss in Lassa fever may become residual with its negative impact on the quality of life. Purpose: This paper is a review of various studies on Lassa fever related hearing loss. Methods: Systematic literature review was done on articles on Lassa fever patients and Lassa fever survivors. Relevant articles published in English between 1969 and 2021 were searched for using Google Scholar and PubMed databases. Eight studies which met the inclusion criteria were finally selected and included in the review. The variables of interest were extracted from the full-text articles. Results: Lassa fever related hearing loss occurs in both sexes and in all age groups. The incidence of self-reported hearing loss ranged from 12.5% to 30% with a mean of 17.6%. The incidence of audiometrically determined sensorineural hearing loss ranged from 13.5% to 29% with a mean of 22.1%. Hearing loss persisted in 64% of those that were followed up. Cases of hearing loss varied in severity, ranging from mild to profound. No successful specific treatment for Lassa fever related hearing loss was reported apart from hearing rehabilitation. Conclusion: Hearing loss among Lassa fever patients remains a major challenge. Lack of effective treatment for Lassa fever related hearing loss is a serious gap in the management of Lassa fever patients which should be addressed in future research.
文摘Telemedicine is defined as a system that allows healthcare workers to deliver their services and consultations to the patients remotely without the need of their physical presence within academic institutions, hospitals, and medical clinics aiming to reduce the personal contact and limiting it to the need only. The field of telemedicine is growing every day and facilitating more flexible services for patients around the world especially during COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: This systematic review was conducted according to the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews. Database search was made on several databases including PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, Publons, EMBASE, and Google Scholar using the relevant keywords. Inclusion criteria for articles in our study included the following original research (primary research articles), addressing the efficacy of teleaudiology for hearing aids programming and satisfaction of patients. Results: Seven studies were included in this systematic review article. Included studies were assessed using Cochrane handbook guidelines. Conclusions: The results of this work based on the currently available literature denote that remote programming for the hearing aids using modern technology is effective and provide comparable results with the standard face-to-face clinic programming, even for patients with no previous experience in hearing aids fitting in either of in-person physical presence programming or remotely over the internet using teleconferencing which is known as teleaudiology. Most of the results were positive and support the continuity to develop better facilities to improve the teleaudiology to be an essential part of hearing aids programming with its different types. Minimal results provided negative impact from the participating patients, this resulted because of the non-upgraded infrastructure and facilities of the audiology clinic or the personal computer of the patient in his home/ workplace or both sides don’t have enough specifications to smoothly perform this modern approach.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(NSFC,32471572)to D.L.the NSFC(32401298)the Hebei Natural Science Foundation(C2023205016)to L.W。
文摘Avian vocal communication represents one of the most intricate forms of animal language,playing a critical role in behavioral interactions.Both peripheral and central auditory-vocal pathways are essential for precisely integrating acoustic signals,ensuring effective communication.Like humans,songbirds exhibit vocal learning behaviors supported by complex neural mechanisms.However,unlike most mammals,songbirds possess the remarkable ability to regenerate damaged auditory cells.These capabilities offer unique opportunities to explore how birds adjust their vocal behavior and auditory processing in response to dynamic environmental conditions.Recent studies have advanced our understanding of the plasticity of avian vocal communication system,yet the vocal diversity and neurophysiological mechanisms underlying vocalization and hearing have often been examined independently.A comprehensive overview of how these systems interact and adapt in birds remains lacking.To address this gap,this review synthesizes the peripheral and central features of avian vocalization and hearing,while also exploring the mechanisms that drive the remarkable plasticity of these systems.Furthermore,it explores seasonal variations in bird vocalization and hearing and adaptations to environmental noise,focusing on how hormonal,neural,and ecological factors together shape vocal behavior and auditory sensitivity.Avian vocal communication systems present an exceptional model for studying the integration of peripheral and central vocal-auditory pathways and their adaptive responses to ever-changing environments.This review underscores the dynamic interactions between avian vocal communication systems and environmental stimuli,offering new insights into broader principles of sensory processing,and neuroplasticity.
基金supported by the grants of the National Key Research and Development Program of China(Grant No.2023YFC2508400)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.82350005).
文摘Purpose To investigate the perinatal risk factors for conductive hearing loss(CHL)in infancy and develop an initial prediction model to facilitate accurate diagnosis and early detection of CHL.Method This retrospective study utilized data from the Newborn Cohort Study of Hearing Loss(ChiCTR2100049765).Infants who underwent diagnostic audiological assessments at our hospital between January 2003 and June 2024 were included.Data analysis was conducted using R(version 4.4.1)to construct an initial prediction model for CHL in infancy,applying the LASSO regression technique.Results A total of 661 infants(1322 ears)were included,with 1253 ears in the normal hearing group and 69 ears in the CHL group.Statistically significant differences were observed between the groups in the following factors:parent-reported infant response to sound,craniofacial deformities,neonatal hemolysis,jaundice treatment,and neonatal hypoglycemia.A multivariate prediction model and nomogram for CHL in infancy were developed and validated,achieving an accuracy of 92.5%and a specificity of 91.3%.Conclusions This study identified key risk factors for CHL in infancy and developed a preliminary predictive model,improving the diagnostic accuracy for CHL.Improved diagnostic precision can decrease misdiagnoses,reduce delays in treatment,and limit unnecessary antimicrobial prescriptions for infants.
