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Related Concept Videos

Auditory Pathway01:15

Auditory Pathway

Auditory pathways constitute the complex neural circuits responsible for transmitting and interpreting auditory information from the peripheral auditory system to the brain. Sound waves are initially captured by the outer ear, funneled through the ear canal, and reach the tympanic membrane (eardrum). These vibrations are transmitted via the middle ear's ossicles to the inner ear's cochlea.
When viewed cross-sectionally, the cochlea reveals the scala vestibuli and scala tympani flanking the...
The Cochlea01:13

The Cochlea

The cochlea is a coiled structure in the inner ear that contains hair cells—the sensory receptors of the auditory system. Sound waves are transmitted to the cochlea by small bones attached to the eardrum called the ossicles, which vibrate the oval window that leads to the inner ear. This causes fluid in the chambers of the cochlea to move, vibrating the basilar membrane.
Neurogenesis and Regeneration of Nervous Tissue01:15

Neurogenesis and Regeneration of Nervous Tissue

In the CNS, neurogenesis, the birth of new neurons from stem cells, is limited to the hippocampus in adults. In other regions of the brain and spinal cord, neurogenesis is almost non-existent due to inhibitory influences from neuroglia, especially oligodendrocytes, and the absence of growth-stimulating cues. The myelin produced by oligodendrocytes in the CNS inhibits neuronal regeneration. Furthermore, astrocytes proliferate rapidly after neuronal damage, forming scar tissue that physically...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 27, 2026

Modified Experimental Conditions for Noise-Induced Hearing Loss in Mice and Assessment of Hearing Function and Outer Hair Cell Damage
07:13

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

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor modulates auditory function in the hearing cochlea.

David J Sly1, Amy J Hampson, Ricki L Minter

  • 1Department of Otolaryngology, University of Melbourne, 32 Gisborne Street, Melbourne, 3002, Victoria, Australia. dsly@unimelb.edu.au

Journal of the Association for Research in Otolaryngology : JARO
|November 17, 2011
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) protects spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs) and may preserve hearing in cochlear implant patients. This study shows BDNF applied to the round window reduces auditory thresholds, potentially protecting residual hearing.

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Otolaryngology
  • Regenerative Medicine

Background:

  • Neurotrophins, like brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), are known to prevent spiral ganglion neuron (SGN) degeneration.
  • Cochlear implantation is common, even in patients with residual hearing, but the impact of neurotrophin treatment on acoustic hearing is unknown.
  • Protecting residual hearing is crucial for optimizing outcomes in cochlear implant recipients.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effect of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) on acoustic hearing in normal-hearing guinea pigs.
  • To determine if BDNF delivery via the round window membrane can preserve spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs) in deafened animals.
  • To assess the potential clinical utility of BDNF for protecting residual hearing in cochlear implant candidates.

Main Methods:

  • Adult guinea pigs received BDNF treatment via a mini-osmotic pump connected to a cannula placed on the round window membrane for 4 weeks.
  • Spiral ganglion neuron (SGN) survival was assessed in ototoxically deafened guinea pigs to validate the delivery method.
  • Auditory function was evaluated using distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) and auditory brainstem responses (ABRs) in normal-hearing animals.

Main Results:

  • BDNF treatment successfully increased SGN survival in the basal and middle cochlear turns of deafened guinea pigs.
  • Distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs) showed a mild, similar deficit in both BDNF-treated and control groups.
  • Auditory brainstem responses (ABRs) revealed that BDNF significantly lowered auditory thresholds at high frequencies (8-32 kHz) and increased response amplitude.
  • Longer BDNF treatment (4 weeks) broadened the frequency range of hearing preservation and reduced thresholds by at least 28 dB SPL at frequencies ≥16 kHz.

Conclusions:

  • Round window application of BDNF effectively preserves spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs) and reduces auditory thresholds in guinea pigs.
  • BDNF treatment demonstrates potential for protecting residual hearing in patients undergoing cochlear implantation.
  • Further clinical investigation is warranted to explore BDNF's therapeutic efficacy in preserving hearing function post-implantation.