Case Western Reserve University and Mass Eye and Ear researchers have been awarded a five-year, $3.2 million grant from the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD). The study aims to uncover the mechanisms behind acquired hearing loss (AHL) and explore strategies to prevent it.
AHL is one of the most prevalent health issues among older adults, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). While hearing aids can mitigate some effects, there is no cure, and the exact causes often remain unclear. AHL significantly impacts quality of life, contributing to social isolation, depression, cognitive decline, and is associated with a heightened risk of dementia.
Exploring the Role of Mitochondria in Hearing Loss
The research will focus on the health of cochlear hair cells—specialized sensory cells in the inner ear that detect sound vibrations and convert them into electrical signals for the brain. These cells rely on mitochondria, microscopic structures that produce energy and regulate calcium levels critical to cellular function.
According to previous studies, calcium overload in mitochondria can damage cochlear hair cells, particularly after exposure to loud noise. “We anticipate that if we are successful, this could point to new strategies to preserve human hearing by regulating mitochondrial calcium levels,” said Ruben Stepanyan, assistant professor in the Department of Otolaryngology at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine.
Study Overview
In the first phase, researchers will use specialized mouse models prone to calcium overload and early hearing loss to evaluate how loud sounds affect cochlear hair cell structure and function. Using advanced three-dimensional imaging and machine-learning-based data analysis, they aim to map changes in mitochondria under stress.
In the second phase, researchers will test whether reducing mitochondrial calcium overload can protect hearing. By studying mouse models with reduced mitochondrial calcium levels, they hope to determine if these cells are more resistant to noise-induced damage.
“The ultimate goal is to find ways to prevent hearing loss related to noise exposure and aging, which could help millions of people protect their hearing as they age,” said Artur Indzhykulian, assistant scientist at Mass Eye and Ear’s Eaton-Peabody Laboratories and assistant professor of otolaryngology at Harvard Medical School.
A Path Toward New Therapies
This research holds promise for identifying novel therapeutic targets to prevent or mitigate AHL, offering hope to millions affected by this widespread condition.
Source: CWRU
