Change of cochlear micromechanics due to different types of hearing loss

Abstract

The reasons for hearing loss are complex and currently the mechanics are not entirely clear. Outer hair cell (OHC) loss is believed to play an important role. Experimental observations shown that damage on OHCs due to ototoxic acid starts from the outermost row to the innermost row, whereas, loss of OHCs due to intense noise exposure occurs from the innermost row to the outermost row. Inspired by these experiments, this study employs the finite element method to develop a detailed model of a slice of the human cochlea including cochlear fine structures. OHC motility is implemented by applying forces at the two ends of the OHCs in response to stereocilia deflection, which are believed to be a key process in cochlear amplification. In this way, the effects of a loss of OHCs due to either intense noise exposure or ototoxic acid can be studied by suppressing forces on individual OHCs. Change of cochlear mechanical amplification and vibration patterns inside the organ of Corti due to different hearing loss mechanisms can thus be predicted.