Noninvasive laser irradiation of the cochlea can create auditory perception

Author:

Tamai Yuta,Uenaka Miku,Okamoto Aya,Hosokawa Keito,Ito Yuki,Toda Koji,Hiryu Shizuko,Kobayasi Kohta I.

Abstract

AbstractOver the last decade, there has been a discussion on applying infrared laser stimulation to brain–machine interfaces, such as cochlear implants. Infrared lasers can selectively activate neural populations without introducing exogenous agents to tissues. This study presents the first demonstration that laser irradiation of the cochlea, a peripheral sensory organ, can elicit a clear behavioral auditory response. Mongolian gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus) were divided into two groups, each subjected to classical conditioning where a reward water delivery was predicted by either cochlear laser stimulation or sound stimulus. Laser-conditioned animals successfully learned licking behavior, with conditioned responses and behavioral properties comparable to auditory-conditioned animals. The laser-evoked response was significantly inhibited by auditory masking, and auditory-conditioned animals demonstrated stimulus generalization to laser stimulation. In a subsequent experiment, simultaneous presentation of auditory and laser stimulation induced nonlinear amplification in both auditory cortical and behavioral responses, suggesting that combining auditory and laser stimulation can enhance auditory perception beyond the effects of each stimulus alone. These findings indicate that infrared laser irradiation of the cochlea can potentially evoke and enhance auditory perception, making it a promising candidate for implementation in auditory prostheses.Short Abstract (significant statement)The last decade has seen discussions about applying infrared laser stimulation to brain–machine interfaces, such as cochlear implants, due to the capability of activating spatially selected neural populations without introducing exogenous agents to tissues. This study provides the first demonstration that laser irradiation of the cochlea, a peripheral sensory organ, can elicit a distinct behavioral auditory response. We successfully classically conditioned Mongolian gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus) with a laser stimulus, similar to an auditory stimulus. The laser-conditioned response was significantly inhibited by auditory masking, and auditory-conditioned animals displayed stimulus generalization to laser stimulation. In a subsequent experiment, simultaneous presentation of auditory and laser stimulation induced nonlinear amplification in both auditory cortical and behavioral responses. These findings suggest that infrared laser irradiation of the cochlea can evoke and potentially enhance auditory perception, holding promise for implementation in auditory prostheses.

Publisher

Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory

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