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World J Otorhinolaryngol. Aug 28, 2013; 3(3): 58-70
Published online Aug 28, 2013. doi: 10.5319/wjo.v3.i3.58
Noise-induced hearing loss in the 21st century: A research and translational update
Ann Chi Yan Wong, Kristina E Froud, Yves Shang-Yi Hsieh
Ann Chi Yan Wong, Kristina E Froud, Translational Neuroscience Facility, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
Yves Shang-Yi Hsieh, School of Chemistry, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
Author contributions: All authors contributed equally to this work.
Correspondence to: Ann Chi Yan Wong, PhD, Translational Neuroscience Facility, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, UNSW, Sydney NSW 2052, Australia. acy.wong@unsw.edu.au
Telephone: +61-2-93852443 Fax: +61-2-93851485
Received: May 21, 2013
Revised: July 10, 2013
Accepted: July 17, 2013
Published online: August 28, 2013
Processing time: 108 Days and 0.7 Hours
Abstract

Millions of people worldwide are exposed to harmful levels of noise daily in their work and leisure environment. This makes noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) a major occupational health risk globally. NIHL is the second most common form of acquired hearing loss after age-related hearing loss and is itself a major contributing factor to presbycusis. Temporary threshold shifts, once thought to be relatively harmless and recoverable, are now known to cause permanent cochlear injury leading to permanent loss of hearing sensitivity. This article reviews the current understanding of the cellular and molecular pathophysiology of NIHL with latest findings from animal models. Therapeutic approaches to protect against or to mitigate NIHL are discussed based on their proposed action against these known mechanisms of cochlear injury. Successes in identifying genes that predispose individuals to NIHL by candidate gene association studies are discussed with matched gene knockout animal models. This links to exciting developments in experimental gene therapy to replace and regenerate lost hair cells and post-noise otoprotective therapies currently being investigated in clinical trials. The aim is to provide new insights into current and projected future strategies to manage NIHL; bench to bedside treatment is foreseeable in the next 5 to 10 years.

Keywords: Noise-induced hearing loss; Otoprotective strategies; Genetic susceptibility; Cochlea; Antioxidants

Core tip: Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) affects millions of people worldwide irrespective of age, sex, and race. Hearing aids and cochlear implants are currently the only available interventions. This review article summarizes the cellular and molecular mechanisms of NIHL to-date. Significant milestones in uncovering genetic predisposition to NIHL in humans, experimental gene therapies and post-noise otoprotective strategies to reduce the impact of NIHL are reviewed.