From The Department of Defense Spatial Orientation Center
Naval Medical Center San Diego
Department of Otolaryngology Suite 200
34520 Bob Wilson Drive
San Diego CA 92134-2200
Authors: Kopke RD, Hoffer ME, Jackson RL, Wolgemuth KS, Wester DC, O'Leary MJ, Henderson D, Van De Water TR
Over the past decade significant advances have been made in understanding the molecular mechanisms of inner ear damage due to toxins including excessive noise. Advances have also been made in the areas of drug delivery to the inner ear as well as increased understanding of how the inner ear protects and repairs itself when exposed to damaging stress. This new information has in turn led to progress in the protection, repair and regeneration of inner ear neurosensory structures. This talk will review some of the basic new information regarding the role of toxin and noise- mediated oxidative stress in inner ear damage. Strategies based on mechanistic principles for protection, rescue and regeneration of the inner ear from noise and toxin damage will also be presented, along with specific basic science and clinical examples of each. Future prospects for clinical protection, repair and regeneration will also be discussed.