Cochlear vascular changes in response to loud noise.

The findings of several authors suggest that alterations in cochlear vascular physiology may contribute to noise-induced hearing loss. Although the influence of noise on cochlear microcirculation is controversial, recent investigations have identified a number of microvascular alterations during noise exposure. Researchers, using intravital microscopy, a technique which offers the advantage of continuous in vivo observation of cochlear lateral wall vessels, have observed alterations in red blood cell velocity and capillary vasoconstriction within the cochlea during exposure to noise. These alterations were sufficient to induce localized periods of stasis, alterations in vascular permeability, and local ischemia. It is possible that such noise-induced vascular ischemia may result in reduced auditory sensitivity.