Affiliations: Caruso Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
Correspondence:
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Corresponding author: John S. Oghalai, MD, Caruso Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 1540 Alcazar Street, Suite 204M, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA. Tel.: +1 323 442 5790; Fax: +1 323 442 5820; E-mail: oghalai@usc.edu.
Abstract: Exposure to noise trauma, such as that from improvised explosive devices, can lead to sensorineural hearing loss and a reduced quality of life. In order to elucidate the mechanisms underlying noise-induced hearing loss, we have adapted optical coherence tomography (OCT) for real-time cochlear visualization in live mice after blast exposure. We demonstrated that endolymphatic hydrops develops following blast injury, and that this phenomenon may be associated with glutamate excitotoxicity and cochlear synaptopathy. Additionally, osmotic stabilization of endolymphatic hydrops partially rescues cochlear synapses after blast trauma. OCT is thus a valuable research tool for investigating the mechanisms underlying acoustic trauma and dynamic changes in endolymph volume. It may also help with the diagnosis and treatment of human hearing loss and/or vertigo in the near future.
