Application and research progress of functional magnetic resonance imaging in the auditory cortex of presbycusis.

BACKGROUND

The global aging population surge has turned Presbycusis (PC) into a major public health problem. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is pivotal for exploring the central mechanisms of hearing loss, offering insights into PC-related neural processes.

AIMS: This paper reviews the latest fMRI applications in PC research, aiming to explore auditory processing mechanisms and the neurological bases of cognitive function, analyze functional connectivity abnormalities and compensatory mechanisms, and comprehensively assess PC's impact on brain structure and function via integration with diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS).

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

A literature review was performed, gathering and analyzing recent fMRI-based PC research, including studies on auditory processing, cognitive function, and combined use of multiple imaging techniques.

RESULTS

Studies have identified auditory pathway abnormalities, cognitive neural network changes, and abnormal functional connectivity with compensatory mechanisms in PC patients. However, technical constraints, individual variability, and small sample sizes impede research progress.

CONCLUSIONS AND SIGNIFICANCE: Despite current limitations, existing research paves the way for future studies. The integration of multimodal imaging and artificial intelligence holds promise for more precise and personalized PC diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation.