Logo image
A mouse model of cochlear implantation with chronic electric stimulation
Journal article   Open access   Peer reviewed

A mouse model of cochlear implantation with chronic electric stimulation

Alexander D Claussen, Rene Vielman Quevedo, Brian Mostaert, Jonathon R Kirk, Wolfram F Dueck and Marlan R Hansen
PloS one, Vol.14(4), pp.e0215407-e0215407
04/18/2019
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0215407
PMCID: PMC6472764
PMID: 30998726
url
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0215407View
Published (Version of record) Open Access

Abstract

Objectives Cochlear implants provide an effective treatment option for those with severe hearing loss, including those with preserved low frequency hearing. However, certain issues can reduce implant efficacy including intracochlear tissue response and delayed loss of residual acoustic hearing. We describe a mouse model of cochlear implantation with chronic electric stimulation that can be used to study cochlear implant biology and related pathologies. Methods Twelve normal hearing adult CBA/J mice underwent unilateral cochlear implantation and were evenly divided into one group receiving electric stimulation and one not. Serial impedance and neural response telemetry (NRT) measurements were made to assess implant functionality. Functionality was defined as having at least one electrode with an impedance. <= 35 kOhms. Mouse cochleae were harvested for histology and 3D x-ray microscopy 21 days post-operatively, or, in case the implant was still functional, at a later time point when the implant failed. A separate experiment measured the hearing preservation rate in 7 adult CBA/J mice undergoing unilateral cochlear implantation with serial auditory brainstem response (ABR) and distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAE). Results Implants maintained functionality for a mean of 35 days in the non-stimulated group and 19.8 days in the stimulated group. Reliable NRT and behavioral responses to electric stimulation were recorded. A robust intracochlear peri-implant tissue response with neo-ossification was seen in all cochleae. Six of seven mice maintained intact low frequency hearing up to 6 weeks following cochlear implantation. Conclusions We demonstrate the feasibility of cochlear implantation and behaviorally significant electric stimulation in the mouse, with the potential for hearing preservation. This model may be combined with established mouse models of hearing loss and the large genetic and molecular research toolkit unique to the mouse for mechanistic and therapeutic investigations of cochlear implant biology.
Multidisciplinary Sciences Science & Technology Science & Technology - Other Topics

Details

Metrics

Logo image