A recent study from Linköping University in Sweden suggests that a cochlear signal, whose exact function has been unknown for approximately 70 years, may provide information to the brain about the normal functioning of the ear. This finding has important implications for understanding hearing impairment caused by harmful noise and could potentially lead to the development of diagnostic methods for noise-induced hearing injuries. The study has been published in the journal Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences.
Temporary hearing impairment can occur when the ear is exposed to loud sounds, such as at concerts or in noisy environments. Prolonged exposure to loud sounds can cause permanent hearing damage. Although the detrimental effects of noise on hearing are well-known, the underlying mechanisms have remained largely unclear. Pierre Hakizimana, a researcher at Linköping University, is part of a team investigating the causes of these damages and exploring avenues for prevention.
The inner ear, also known as the cochlea, contains approximately 15,000 hair cells. When these cells are exposed to sound waves, they convert the vibrations into electric nerve signals. These signals are then transmitted to the brain for interpretation, enabling us to perceive sound. The hair cell signal consists of two components: the AC signal, which has been extensively studied and provides information about sound loudness and frequency, and the DC signal, which has remained enigmatic until now.
Prior studies attempting to understand the DC signal have produced conflicting results regarding its polarity, i.e., whether it is positive or negative. In the current study, Pierre Hakizimana demonstrates that the polarity of the DC signal changes from positive to negative following exposure to harmful noise. This suggests that the DC signal may serve as an indicator of ear health status.
“Our research suggests that this signal could be a means for the body to communicate the status of the ear to the brain, facilitating the brain’s ability to process faint sounds. When the brain is aware of abnormal ear function, it can allocate its resources more efficiently and prioritize other sensory input,” explains Pierre Hakizimana, the principal research engineer in the Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences at Linköping University.
This discovery holds promise for future research on diagnosing hearing loss caused by harmful noise using the DC signal. This has been a challenging task due to the lack of understanding about the signal’s interpretation and reliable measurement in humans. Additionally, Pierre Hakizimana’s study reveals that the DC signal is generated by potassium ion channels that release potassium ions through the membranes of hair cells.
More information:
Pierre Hakizimana, “The summating potential polarity encodes the ear health condition,” Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences (2023). DOI: 10.1007/s00018-023-04809-5
Citation:
“How the ear may inform the brain when hearing is impaired” (2023, July 4). Retrieved 4 July 2023 from https://phys.org/news/2023-07-ear-brain-impaired.html
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