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Updated: Aug 13, 2026
Modified Experimental Conditions for Noise-Induced Hearing Loss in Mice and Assessment of Hearing Function and Outer Hair Cell Damage
Published on: February 10, 2023
The role of oxidative stress in noise-induced hearing loss
Donald Henderson1, Eric C Bielefeld, Kelly Carney Harris
1Center for Hearing and Deafness, Department of Communicative Disorders and Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, New York 14214, USA. donaldhe@buffalo.edu
Abstract:
Modern research has provided new insights into the biological mechanisms of noise-induced hearing loss, and with these new insights comes hope for possible prevention or treatment. Underlying the classic set of cochlear pathologies that occur as a result of noise exposure are increased levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that play a significant role in noise-induced hair cell death. Both necrotic and apoptotic cell death have been identified in the cochlea. Included in the current review is a brief review of ROS, along with a description of sources of cochlear ROS generation and how ROS can damage cochlear tissue. The pathways of necrotic and apoptotic cell death are also reviewed. Interventions are discussed that target the prevention of noise-induced hair cell death: the use of antioxidants to scavenge and eliminate the damaging ROS, pharmacological interventions to limit the damage resulting from ROS, and new techniques aimed at interrupting the apoptotic biochemical cascade that results in the death of irreplaceable hair cells.
Insights
New research reveals reactive oxygen species (ROS) drive noise-induced hearing loss by causing hair cell death. Antioxidants and other interventions show promise for preventing this damage.
Area of Science:
- Oto-rhino-laryngology
- Cell Biology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Noise exposure causes cochlear pathologies.
- Increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) are key mediators of noise-induced hair cell death.
- Both necrotic and apoptotic cell death pathways are involved.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the biological mechanisms of noise-induced hearing loss.
- To describe the role of ROS in cochlear damage.
- To discuss potential interventions for preventing noise-induced hair cell death.
Main Methods:
- Review of current scientific literature on noise-induced hearing loss.
- Analysis of the role of ROS in cochlear tissue.
- Examination of necrotic and apoptotic cell death pathways.
- Discussion of preventative strategies.
Main Results:
- ROS generation in the cochlea contributes significantly to hair cell death.
- ROS can damage cochlear tissue through oxidative stress.
- Apoptotic and necrotic pathways are activated by noise exposure.
- Antioxidant and pharmacological interventions show potential.
Conclusions:
- Understanding ROS mechanisms offers hope for preventing noise-induced hearing loss.
- Targeting ROS and apoptotic pathways may protect irreplaceable cochlear hair cells.
- Further research into interventions is warranted for clinical application.
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