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Updated: Sep 7, 2025

Neuro-rehabilitation Approach for Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss
Published on: January 25, 2016
Estimated cochlear neural degeneration is associated with loudness hypersensitivity in individuals with normal
Kelly N Jahn1, Kenneth E Hancock1, Stéphane F Maison1
1Eaton-Peabody Laboratories, Massachusetts Eye and Ear, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, USA kelly.jahn@utdallas.edu, ken_hancock@meei.harvard.edu, stephane_maison@meei.harvard.edu, daniel_polley@meei.harvard.edu.
Abstract:
In animal models, cochlear neural degeneration (CND) is associated with excess central gain and hyperacusis, but a compelling link between reduced cochlear neural inputs and heightened loudness perception in humans remains elusive. The present study examined whether greater estimated cochlear neural degeneration (eCND) in human participants with normal hearing thresholds is associated with heightened loudness perception and sound aversion. Results demonstrated that loudness perception was heightened in ears with greater eCND and in subjects who self-report loudness aversion via a hyperacusis questionnaire. These findings suggest that CND may be a potential trigger for loudness hypersensitivity.
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