The effects of long-term cochlear hearing loss on the functional organization of central auditory pathways

We have developed an animal model of neonatal high-frequency cochlear hearing loss to investigate the long-term effects on the central auditory pathways. Specifically, we have induced basal cochlear lesions in newborn kittens using the ototoxic aminoglycoside, amikacin. We have monitored the consequent auditory threshold elevations using auditory brainstem evoked responses (ABR) to tone pip stimuli. In the mature animal we have mapped tonotopic (cochleotopic) representation in primary auditory cortex (AI) using standard micro-electrode recording techniques, and we show that this map becomes massively re-organized. In particular, one frequency area that corresponds to the high frequency cut-off slope of the subject's audiogram appears to become greatly expanded, in some cases to take up 75% of AI surface. In general, the development of normal cochleotopic or tonotopic representation in cortex appears to depend upon the integrity of ascending sensory input from the cochlea particularly during early stages of development. With the clinician in mind, we discuss our findings in relation to practical issues.