Anatomical Integrity of the Human Cochlea Estimated with Optical Coherence Tomography for Future Clinical Application

The human cochlea is encased within the otic capsule, the densest bone in the body, posing significant challenges for anatomical imaging of cochlear structures. Because of difficult access and the fragility of cochlear structures, our understanding of intracochlear anatomy has historically relied on postmortem histology. We thus have a limited understanding of human cochlear anatomy in its native, unfixed state. Clinical diagnostics for hearing loss, such as audiometry and otoacoustic emissions, offer functional assessments but fail to elucidate the often diverse underlying structural pathologies with any degree of precision.

To address the critical need for assessing the human cochlear anatomy and associated pathologies without the risk of traumatizing cochlear structures, we imaged fresh cochleae (N = 23, 15 males, 8 females) in situ soon after death through the intact round window membrane with Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) without inserting instruments inside or opening the cochlea.

Micron-resolution OCT cross-sectional images of the human intracochlear structures were acquired and compared with corresponding histology systematically to aid in the identification of fine structural features and possible pathologies. With OCT imaging, we observed varied anatomy of the organ of Corti, and developed a cochlear "integrity" rating system to differentiate healthy-appearing cochleae from various pathological states.

These results demonstrate the capability of OCT to non-traumatically visualize cochlear integrity, highlighting its potential as a diagnostic tool. This work shows promise in translating the ability to determine the likelihood of existing or lack of hair cells and supporting cells in live patients, which would enable appropriate targeted treatments.