Cochlear histopathologic analysis in diabetic rats.

HYPOTHESIS

This study aimed to show whether sensorineural hearing loss in diabetes mellitus is secondary to changes in the organ of Corti and stria vascularis.

BACKGROUND

The high rate of sensorineural hearing loss in diabetes mellitus has led to much speculation as to whether there is an association between the two.

METHODS

A well-established diabetic animal model was used to examine the inner ear histopathologically.

RESULTS

No statistical difference in the inner and outer hair cells or in the stria vascularis was shown between the genetic-diabetic rats and control subjects.

CONCLUSIONS

If there is hearing loss with diabetes, its pathogenesis does not involve damage to the hair cells or stria vascularis.