Influence of sympathetic fibers on noise-induced hearing loss in the chinchilla

The influence of the sympathetic efferent fibers on cochlear susceptibility to noise-induced hearing loss is still an open question. In the current study, we explore the effects of unilateral and bilateral Superior Cervical Ganglion (SCG) ablation in the chinchilla on hearing loss from noise exposure, as measured with inferior colliculus (IC) evoked potentials, distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAE), and outer hair cell (OHC) loss. The SCG was isolated at the level of the bifurcation of the carotid artery and removed unilaterally in 15 chinchillas. Another eight chinchillas underwent bilateral ablation. Twelve animals were employed as sham controls. Noise exposure was a 4 kHz octave band noise for 1 h at 110 dB SPL. Results showed improved recovery of DPOAE amplitudes after noise exposure in ears that underwent SCGectomy, as well as lower evoked potential threshold shifts relative to sham controls. Effects of SCGectomy on OHC loss were small. Results of the study suggest that sympathetic fibers do exert some influence on susceptibility to noise, but the influence may not be a major one.