Cochlear synaptopathy ( “hidden hearing loss,” ) is a form of auditory dysfunction that affects the synapses between hair cells in the cochlea and the auditory nerve, rather than the hair cells themselves or the nerve fibers.
It can make it difficult for individuals to understand speech in noisy environments, even if they have normal audiometric hearing thresholds as measured by a standard hearing test.
Traditional hearing tests typically measure the softest sounds a person can hear in a quiet environment.
Traditional hearing tests but don’t evaluate the ability to distinguish sounds in more complex auditory settings.
Cochlear synaptopathy can n be caused by noise exposure, aging, or ototoxic drugs.
While the hair cells may remain intact, the synaptic connections get damaged.
People may experience difficulties in discerning speech in noisy environments, trouble following conversations in groups, or an overall reduced ability to process complex sounds.
It is not typically detectable with conventional hearing tests.
Advanced audiological assessments, such as auditory brainstem responses (ABRs) or other electrophysiological tests, might help detect synaptic dysfunction.
Management strategies focus on minimizing further damage, such as using ear protection in noisy environments and avoiding ototoxic substances.