Assessment of cochlear synaptopathy by electrocochleography to low frequencies in a preclinical model and human subjects

Cochlear synaptopathy is the loss of synapses between inner hair cells and auditory nerve despite survival sensory cells. The findings extensive cochlear in animals after moderate noise exposures challenged long-held view that are elements most sensitive to insults lead hearing loss. However, has been difficult identify humans. We applied novel algorithms determine cell neural contributions electrocochleographic (ECochG) recordings from round window animal human subjects. Gerbils with normal provided training test sets for a deep learning algorithm detect presence responses low frequency sounds, an analytic model was used quantify proportion ECochG response. capacity validated noise-exposed by using neurotoxins reduce or eliminate contributions. When analytical methods were surgical subjects access window, contribution resembled partial present neurotoxin application animals. This result demonstrates viable not connected fibers substantial indicates efforts regenerate may find ready substrate innervation resumption function.