Research progress on the role of cochlear macrophage polarization in hearing loss and related treatment strategies
REN Baiyang
XIANG Yanghong
ZHU Xianbai
WANG Chang
DENG Anchun
Abstract：Hearing relies on sound signals being transmitted from hair-cell sensors via spiral neurons(SGNs)to brain processors.Hair cell and SGNs dysfunction caused by noise exposure,aging,ototoxicity and genetic factors are the main causes of hearing loss.Cochlear tissue resident macrophages are essential for maintaining tissue homeostasis and repair.Studies have shown that peripheral monocytes can be recruited into the inner ear and differentiate into macrophages after environmental damage.Notably,cochlear macrophages are heterogeneous and can be divided into multiple subpopulations,and these subpopulations perform different functions in the inner ear.However,the specific roles of macrophages in the progression of cochlear diseases and related signaling pathways remain to be further explored.This review will summarizes the multiple functions of cochlear macrophages in age-related hearing loss and noise-induced hearing loss,as well as the latest research progress on their treatment strategies.We hope to provide an in-depth understanding of the physiological function of cochlear macrophages for new strategies of hearing the restoration and protection,with a focus on analyzing the dynamic interactive mechanisms among macrophage subpopulations and cochlear cells serving as a theoretical basis for targeted interventions.
Keywords：macrophagesspiral neuronhair cellshearing loss
Publication Date：2026-03-20
Online Publishing Date：2026-03-19(First online date of this platform, not the publication date of the document)
Pages：5( 280-284 )