What is Hidden Hearing Loss or Cochlear Synaptopathy?
When there is damage to synapses connecting the hair cells to auditory nerve fibers this is known as hidden hearing loss (HHL) which can occur without significant changes to normal hearing. This affects how sound signals are transmitted to the brain.
Oxidative stress can contribute to hidden hearing loss (HHL). Oxidative stress occurs when there is an imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the body’s ability to neutralize them with antioxidants. This imbalance can damage cellular structures and is particularly harmful to the delicate components of the auditory system.
How Oxidative Stress Impacts Hidden Hearing Loss
The synapses between cochlear hair cells and auditory nerve fibers are damaged, often without affecting the hair cells themselves. Oxidative stress contributes to this damage by:
Generating ROS (reactive oxygen species) during exposure to loud noises, toxins, or aging, which disrupts the mitochondria in synaptic terminals. Also, impairing the release and recycling of neurotransmitters at synapses, leading to degeneration.
Noise-Induced Oxidative Stress
Loud noise exposure increases metabolic activity in cochlear hair cells, resulting in too many ROS being produced. While the outer hair cells may remain intact, the synapses between inner hair cells and auditory nerve fibers are highly susceptible to oxidative damage.
Reduced Blood Flow
Oxidative stress can damage cochlear blood vessels, reducing blood flow and oxygen supply to the inner ear. This leads to oxygen deprivation which further exacerbates oxidative damage and neural degeneration.
Inflammatory Cascade
Oxidative stress triggers the activation of inflammatory pathways, which can worsen synaptic loss.
Evidence from Research
Antioxidants like R-Alpha Lipoic acid (R-ALA) may have been found to reduce synaptic loss and protect auditory nerve fibers. Tinnigone’s exclusive formula contains the powerful antioxidant R-ALA which is the biologically active form readily absorbed by the body.
Preventing Oxidative Stress in the Cochlea
Supplements: Ingredients like grape seed extract and R- Alpha Lipoic Acid are studied for their potential to prevent oxidative damage in auditory systems. Our patent -pending formulation, Tinnigone, features grape seed extract with a high concentration of 95% polyphenols.
Lifestyle Modifications: The protection of the ears from loud noises and making dietary modifications to include more antioxidant - rich foods like fruits and vegetables can help protect not only your body but the auditory system.
Conclusion
Oxidative stress plays a significant role in hidden hearing loss (HHL) by damaging synapses in the cochlea, impairing auditory nerve function, and contributing to tinnitus. Understanding and managing oxidative stress through the use of antioxidants and protective measures offers potential strategies to prevent or mitigate hidden hearing loss.
Sources of Information
https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/diagnosing-hidden-hearing-loss
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30975591/
