Gene transcription changes in a locust model of noise-induced deafness

Abstract

Locust ears have functional and genetic similarities to human ears, including loss of hearing from age or noise exposure. We measured transcript abundances in transcriptomes of noise-exposed and control locust ears. The data indicate remodeling of the ear tympanum and profound reductions in metabolism that may explain reduced sound transduction. These findings advance our understanding of this useful model and suggest further experiments to elucidate mechanisms that ears use to cope with excessive stimulation.