Yale surgeon-scientist Hong-Bo Zhao, MD, PhD, received a R01 grant to study how noise damages the ear and causes hearing loss. The proposal, “ATP-purinergic mechanisms underlying noise-induced cochlear synaptopathy and hearing loss” is funded by the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders. The federal award — Dr. Zhao’s first since joining the Yale faculty in September of 2022 — will support a series of studies that explore the molecular mechanisms underlying noise-induced hearing loss.
Hearing loss impacts approximately 48 million Americans, according to the Hearing Loss Association of America. The statistics on noise-induced deafness are startling. According to research, 22 percent of adults are exposed to hazardous noise levels in the workplace, and 1 in 10 teenagers experience hearing loss due to loud music.
“Hearing loss is not uncommon. However, our understanding of what happens at the molecular level to trigger such degeneration is still unclear, especially in the case of noise-induced and hidden hearing loss, which can be hard to assess via traditional testing methods and can worsen over time,” said Dr. Zhao.
Dr. Zhao is researching the impact of noise exposure on the balance of electrolytes in the inner ear. This balance is crucial for both hearing and brain function. The hypothesis builds on existing science showing the disruption of extracellular potassium levels following noise exposure.
“These studies will provide invaluable clues for developing and applying protective and therapeutic interventions for noise-induced hearing loss,” said Dr. Zhao.
These studies will provide invaluable clues for developing and applying protective and therapeutic interventions for noise-induced hearing loss.
Hong-Bo Zhao, MD, PhD
Dr. Zhao received his medical degree from Yichang Medical College in Hubei, China. He later received his PhD in auditory neuroscience from Shanghai Institute of Physiology in Shanghai, China.
The grant discussed in this article was awarded by the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders under Award Number 7R01DC017025-06.