Prevention and Treatment of Noise-Induced Tinnitus. Revision
Abstract
Results from the second year of studies continue that a 2 minute exposure to a small arms fire like noise will induce reduced gap detection, indicating tinnitus, in approximately 2/3rds of noise-exposed rats over the two years of studies. A significant finding is that the incidence of tinnitus does not correlate with either the extent of hair cell loss / auditory brain stem response (ABR) threshold shift nor the extent of loss of inner hair cell - auditory nerve (IHC-AN) connections, in animals assessed to date. Neither increased hair cell / hearing loss nor an increased loss of connections will predict if a noise exposed animal will develop tinnitus. We are now assessing changes in auditory nerve endings in the cochlear nucleus to determine if this shows a better correlation. Studies examining the influence of anti-oxidant and/or anti-excitotoxicity treatments on hair cell loss, loss of IHC-AN connections and the generation of tinnitus are still in progress. During the third year studies will add examination of central auditory excitability and test the influence of enhancing inhibitory influences shortly after the noise exposure.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 2013
- Accession Number
- ADA600547
Entities
People
- Richard A. Altschuler
Organizations
- University of Michigan