Echolocating Bats Have Evolved Decreased Susceptibility to Noise-Induced Temporary Hearing Losses

Simmons, Andrea Megela; Simmons, James A.

doi:10.1007/s10162-024-00941-6

Cited by 3 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 60 publications

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“…In contrast, frequency-modulated echoes from self-generated biosonar signals provide the primary sensory cue that enables big brown bats to pursue prey while in flight [78,79]. As such, it is possible that aerial-hawking species like E. fuscus possess auditory specializations to protect against hearing loss (reviewed in [80]). Variable susceptibility to noise exposure in echolocating vs. non-echolocating (i.e., visually dominant) bat species presents a complementary view [38], and highlights the value of comparing diverse species to gain a greater understanding of what mechanisms may support cochlear structural and functional integrity in some, but not all, bat species.…”

Section: Echolocating Bats As An Informative Model For Resistance To ...mentioning

confidence: 99%

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Resistance to age-related hearing loss in the echolocating big brown bat (Eptesicus fuscus)

Capshaw,

Diebold,

Adams

et al. 2024

Preprint

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Hearing mediates many behaviors critical for survival in echolocating bats, including foraging and navigation. Most mammals are susceptible to progressive age-related hearing loss; however, the evolution of biosonar, which requires the ability to hear low-intensity echoes from outgoing sonar signals, may have selected against the development of hearing deficits in echolocating bats. Although many echolocating bats exhibit exceptional longevity and rely on acoustic behaviors for survival to old age, relatively little is known about the aging bat auditory system. In this study, we used DNA methylation to estimate the ages of wild-caught big brown bats (Eptesicus fuscus) and measured hearing sensitivity in young and aging bats using auditory brainstem responses (ABRs) and distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs). We found no evidence for hearing deficits in aging bats, demonstrated by comparable thresholds and similar ABR wave and DPOAE amplitudes across age groups. We additionally found no significant histological evidence for cochlear aging, with similar hair cell counts, afferent, and efferent innervation patterns in young and aging bats. Here we demonstrate that big brown bats show minimal evidence for age-related loss of peripheral hearing sensitivity and therefore represent informative models for investigating mechanisms that may preserve hearing function over a long lifetime.

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Section: Echolocating Bats As An Informative Model For Resistance To ...mentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Additionally, auditory sensitivity appears robust to acute noise exposures in bats [44][45][46]80]. The protective factors that may underlie resistance to noise in bats remain unknown; however, the auditory efferent system presents an intriguing avenue for future research.…”

Section: Echolocating Bats As An Informative Model For Resistance To ...mentioning

confidence: 99%

Resistance to age-related hearing loss in the echolocating big brown bat (Eptesicus fuscus)

Capshaw,

Diebold,

Adams

et al. 2024

Preprint

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

Resistance to age-related hearing loss in the echolocating big brown bat ( Eptesicus fuscus )

Capshaw,

Diebold,

Adams

et al. 2024

Proc. R. Soc. B.

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Hearing mediates many behaviours critical for survival in echolocating bats, including foraging and navigation. Although most mammals are susceptible to progressive age-related hearing loss, the evolution of biosonar, which requires the ability to hear low-intensity echoes from outgoing sonar signals, may have selected against the development of hearing deficits in bats. Many echolocating bats exhibit exceptional longevity and rely on acoustic behaviours for survival to old age; however, relatively little is known about the ageing bat auditory system. In this study, we used DNA methylation to estimate the ages of wild-caught big brown bats ( Eptesicus fuscus ) and measured hearing sensitivity in young and ageing bats using auditory brainstem responses (ABRs) and distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAEs). We found no evidence for hearing deficits in bats up to 12.5 years of age, demonstrated by comparable thresholds and similar ABR and DPOAE amplitudes across age groups. We additionally found no significant histological evidence for cochlear ageing, with similar hair cell counts, afferent and efferent innervation patterns in young and ageing bats. Here, we demonstrate that big brown bats show minimal evidence for age-related hearing loss and therefore represent informative models for investigating mechanisms that may preserve hearing function over a long lifetime.

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Hearing thresholds in the bat Carollia perspicillata vary by sex but not age

Molano,

Dale,

Portfors

et al. 2024

Preprint

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Bats rely heavily on auditory perception for critical behaviors including navigation (echolocation) and conspecific communication. However, there is little information on the impacts of age and sex on the bat auditory system. Here, we used auditory brainstem response recordings to measure auditory thresholds in Carollia perspicillata (Seba's short-tailed bat). We did not detect an age-related threshold shift at the age range examined (1-8 years old), suggesting that bats may be relatively resistant to age-related hearing loss. We had considerably more young bats (aged 1-2 years) than older animals (aged 4-8 years), so our results should be interpreted with caution. However, they are consistent with other studies showing that bats exhibit fewer signs of aging relative to other small mammals. In addition, we show significantly lower auditory thresholds among females compared to age-matched males, similar to sex differences reported in other mammals. Finally, we found increased thresholds in a single non-pigmented bat relative to age- and sex-matched conspecifics. While preliminary, this finding suggests that pigmentation may be important for inner ear function in bats, similar to results from other mammals.

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Echolocating Bats Have Evolved Decreased Susceptibility to Noise-Induced Temporary Hearing Losses

Cited by 3 publications

References 60 publications

Resistance to age-related hearing loss in the echolocating big brown bat (Eptesicus fuscus)

Resistance to age-related hearing loss in the echolocating big brown bat (Eptesicus fuscus)

Resistance to age-related hearing loss in the echolocating big brown bat ( Eptesicus fuscus )

Hearing thresholds in the bat Carollia perspicillata vary by sex but not age

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