Biomed Eng Lett.  2019 Aug;9(3):351-358. 10.1007/s13534-019-00114-y.

Applications of photobiomodulation in hearing research: from bench to clinic

• Lee JH
• Kim S
• Jung JY
• Lee MY

• KMID: 2470029
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.1007/s13534-019-00114-y

Abstract

Hearing loss is very common and economically burdensome. No accepted therapeutic modality for sensorineural hearing loss is yet available; most clinicians emphasize rehabilitation, placing hearing aids and cochlear implants. Photobiomodulation (PBM) employs light energy to enhance or modulate the activities of specific organs, and is a popular non-invasive therapy used to treat skin lesions and neurodegenerative disorders. Efforts to use PBM to improve hearing have been ongoing for several decades. Initial in vitro studies using cell lines and ex vivo culture techniques have now been supplanted by in vivo studies in animals; PBM protects the sensory epithelium and triggers neural regeneration. Many reports have used PBM to treat tinnitus. In this brief review, we introduce PBM applications in hearing research, helpful protocols, and relevant background literature.

Keyword

Photobiomodulation; Low-level laser therapy; Hearing loss

MeSH Terms

Animals
Cell Line
Cochlear Implants
Culture Techniques
Epithelium
Hearing Aids
Hearing Loss
Hearing Loss, Sensorineural
Hearing*
In Vitro Techniques
Low-Level Light Therapy
Neurodegenerative Diseases
Regeneration
Rehabilitation
Skin
Tinnitus