Molecular mechanisms for controlling cochlear function

Close to 500 million people are affected by hearing loss severe enough to impair communication.

Although hearing aids and cochlear implants are beneficial, they cannot restore normal hearing and most users continue to experience significant communication problems.

There is a large need for better treatments but these are difficult to find, largely because of poor understanding of the mechanisms that control cochlear function.Recently my research group discovered a new calcium-based mechanism that contributes strongly to controlling organ of Corti function (Hakizimana & Fridberger Nature Comm 2021; Strimbu et al, PNAS 2019).

Our preliminary data indicates this mechanism is important during and after exposure to loud sound.The aim of this proposal is to examine the role of this novel control mechanism in permanent noise-induced hearing loss, one of the most common causes of hearing loss worldwide.

We will also address protective mechanisms present in the hearing organ and transduction mechanisms unique for the part of the cochlea that converts speech-frequency sound into neural impulses. Hearing loss is now known to be a strong, potentially modifiable risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease. This makes it imperative to devise better methods for treatment and prevention of hearing impairment.

Better understanding of fundamental mechanisms is a prerequisite for developing novel treatments.