Zinc Deficiency Triggers Hearing Loss by Reducing Ribbon Synapses of Inner Hair Cells in CBA/N Mice

The study "Zinc deficiency triggers hearing loss by reducing ribbon synapses of inner hair cells in CBA/N mice" found that zinc deficiency can lead to hearing loss by affecting the neuronal components of inner hair cells (IHCs). The researchers observed that mice on a zinc-deficient diet had a significant increase in auditory brainstem response (ABR) threshold, indicating hearing loss. This was linked to a reduction in the number of ribbon synapses of IHCs, which are crucial for transmitting sound signals. The study also found that zinc deficiency does not affect outer hair cells (OHCs). These findings provide a better understanding of the role of zinc in the auditory system and could help in the development of treatments to prevent zinc-related hearing loss.