Delayed hearing loss after cochlear implantation: Re-evaluating the role of hair cell degeneration

Jennifer T O'Malley; Pei-Zhe Wu; Charanjeet Kaur; Bruce J Gantz; Marlan R Hansen; Alicia M Quesnel; M Charles Liberman

doi:10.1016/j.heares.2024.109024

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Delayed hearing loss after cochlear implantation: Re-evaluating the role of hair cell degeneration

Journal article

Peer reviewed

Delayed hearing loss after cochlear implantation: Re-evaluating the role of hair cell degeneration

Jennifer T O'Malley, Pei-Zhe Wu, Charanjeet Kaur, Bruce J Gantz, Marlan R Hansen, Alicia M Quesnel and M Charles Liberman

Hearing research, Vol.447, 109024

06/2024

DOI: 10.1016/j.heares.2024.109024

PMCID: PMC11134194

PMID: 38735179

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https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/11134194View

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Abstract

Delayed loss of residual acoustic hearing after cochlear implantation is a common but poorly understood phenomenon due to the scarcity of relevant temporal bone tissues. Prior histopathological analysis of one case of post-implantation hearing loss suggested there were no interaural differences in hair cell or neural degeneration to explain the profound loss of low-frequency hearing on the implanted side (Quesnel et al., 2016) and attributed the threshold elevation to neo-ossification and fibrosis around the implant. Here we re-evaluated the histopathology in this case, applying immunostaining and improved microscopic techniques for differentiating surviving hair cells from supporting cells. The new analysis revealed dramatic interaural differences, with a > 80 % loss of inner hair cells in the cochlear apex on the implanted side, which can account for the post-implantation loss of residual hearing. Apical degeneration of the stria further contributed to threshold elevation on the implanted side. In contrast, spiral ganglion cell survival was reduced in the region of the electrode on the implanted side, but apical counts in the two ears were similar to that seen in age-matched unimplanted control ears. Almost none of the surviving auditory neurons retained peripheral axons throughout the basal half of the cochlea. Relevance to cochlear implant performance is discussed.

Residual hearing

Delayed hearing loss

Cochlear implant

Details

Title: Subtitle: Delayed hearing loss after cochlear implantation: Re-evaluating the role of hair cell degeneration
Creators: Jennifer T O'Malley
Pei-Zhe Wu
Charanjeet Kaur - Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary
Bruce J Gantz - University of Iowa
Marlan R Hansen - University of Iowa
Alicia M Quesnel - Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary
M Charles Liberman - Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary
Resource Type: Journal article
Publication Details: Hearing research, Vol.447, 109024
DOI: 10.1016/j.heares.2024.109024
PMID: 38735179
PMCID: PMC11134194
NLM abbreviation: Hear Res
ISSN: 0378-5955
eISSN: 1878-5891
Language: English
Electronic publication date: 05/03/2024
Date published: 06/2024
Academic Unit: Molecular Physiology and Biophysics; Neurosurgery; Otolaryngology
Record Identifier: 9984627152602771

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