Mechanisms of noise damage to the cochlea

Abstract

The review will first outline the history, pathology and pathophysiology of noise-induced hearing loss and then focus on biochemical and molecular mechanisms of hair cell damage. Calcium influx into sensory cells and generation of reactive oxygen species are initial events leading to an imbalance in the redox homeostasis of the cell and the activation of cell death pathways. Vasoconstriction as well as excitotoxic reactions at the inner hair cell synapse may contribute to the overall manifestations of noise trauma. Individual steps in this sequence leading to apoptotic or necrotic cell death will be discussed based on molecular evidence and on pharmacological manipulation of noise-induced signaling pathways.

• noise trauma
• hair cells
• reactive oxygen species
• calcium
• apoptosis
• necrosis