Potentiation of noise induced threshold shifts and hair cell loss by carbon monoxide

Previous studies have determined that severe systemic hypoxia disrupts cochlear function acutely, but have suggested that augmentation of cochlear perfusion may successfully protect cochlear function under all but the most profound hypoxic treatments. In the current study we report on the chronic effects of simultaneous exposures to noise and carbon monoxide on pure tone thresholds and hair cell survival in rats. Following initial threshold determination, rats received acute exposure to carbon monoxide, noise, or both agents concurrently. Thresholds were evaluated 2-4 and 6-8 weeks later. The data show that carbon monoxide alone does not affect either auditory thresholds or compromise hair cells at the light microscopic level. The noise exposure alone produced variable, but quite limited permanent threshold shifts which were related to the power spectrum of the broad band noise that was employed. Hair cell loss was restricted to the basal turn of the cochlea. Simultaneous exposure to carbon monoxide and noise induced large threshold shifts at all frequencies studied, but the effect was greatest at the highest test frequency; an effect not consistent with the noise power spectrum. Widespread hair cell loss persisted over fully half of the basilar membrane in the most severely affected rat. Outer hair cells appear to be particularly vulnerable. Carbon monoxide plus noise did not appear to preferentially disrupt a particular row of outer hair cells. These data complement existing evidence that hyperoxia can mitigate against noise induced injury and reinforce the view that some types of noise induced damage may result from metabolic insufficiencies.