Cochlear proteins associated with noise-induced hearing loss: An update

Abstract

Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is one of the major occupational disease that has influence on the quality of life of mining workers. Several reports suggest NIHL is attributed to noise exposure at workplace and approximately 16% of hearing loss is due to it. NIHL occurs as a result of exposure to high-level noise (>85 dB) in the workplace. Noise disrupts proteins present in the micromachinery of the ear that is required for mechano-electric transduction of sound waves. High-level noise exposure can lead to hearing impairment owing to mechanical and metabolic exhaustion in cochlea, the major organ responsible for resilience of sound. Several key proteins of cochlea include tectorial membrane, inner hair cells, outer hair cells, and stereocilia are damaged due to high-level noise exposure. Numerous studies conducted in animals have shown cochlear proteins involvement in NIHL, but the pertinent literature remains limited in humans. Detection of proteins and pathways perturbed within the micromachinery of the ear after excessive sound induction leads toward the early identification of hearing loss. The situation insisted to present this review as an update on cochlear proteins associated with NIHL after an extensive literature search using several electronic databases which help to understand the pathophysiology of NIHL.

Factors of work environment hazardous for health in opinions of employees working underground in the ‘Bogdanka’ coal mine

“…According to the data by the World Health Organization (WHO), 16% of hearing loss among workers is caused by occupational noise [40]. Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) occurs as a result of exposure to noise of a high level (> 85 dB) at the workplace [8]. Negative effect of noise at work was compared in own study which showed that the vast majority of miners (approximately 80%) considered this factor as hazardous for health.…”

“…The majority of workplaces in mining are related with physical work and exposure of workers to various health hazards on the part of such factors as: extreme temperatures, humidity, noise, vibration, and also prolonged working hours and shift work [4,6,7]. Noise at workplaces in mines is considered as the main risk factor causing hearing loss in employees [8]. Another factor unfavourable for the health of miners is coal dust.…”

Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Circadian Rhythms

“…This part of discussion aims to explore the literature surrounding the relationship between circadian rhythms, OSAS, and their association with hearing and balance disorders. [41][42][43][44][45][46][47][48][49][50][51]…”

“…Animal studies have demonstrated that CIH leads to hearing loss, cochlear degeneration, and disruption of the inner ear's antioxidant defense system. [47][48][49] In human studies, individuals with OSAS have shown increased prevalence of hearing loss, especially in the high-frequency range. [43][44][45][46][47][48][49][50][51] The study by Cheung et al investigated the relationship between sleep apnea syndrome and auditory evoked potentials.…”

“…[47][48][49] In human studies, individuals with OSAS have shown increased prevalence of hearing loss, especially in the high-frequency range. [43][44][45][46][47][48][49][50][51] The study by Cheung et al investigated the relationship between sleep apnea syndrome and auditory evoked potentials. The researchers determine if sleep apnea has an impact on the auditory system by assessing the changes in auditory evoked potentials.…”