New Technique Will Allow Imaging Of The Inner Ear Structure And The Cochlea

New Technique Will Allow Imaging Of The Inner Ear Structure And The Cochlea    

The Dense Bony Encasing Does Not Permit Clear Imaging By Conventional Methods, Such As CTS And MRI Scans    

Researchers believe that imaging of the inner ear will be fundamental for understanding and preventing hearing loss. According to specialists, even though it is a condition that is present in most aging adults, and that the number of cases between teenagers and young adults is growing, it is understudied and underfunded. The dense bony structure that surrounds the ear makes very difficult to use conventional imaging methods, such as CTs and MRI scans, so that pathologies are studied using post-mortem thin slices of the cochlea. However, researchers are working on a new technique, based on synchrotron lights, which are able to penetrate the dense bones that surround the inner ear, allowing high-quality images. It can distinguish normal and damaged sensory cells and nerve fibers in the cochlea without having to remove the inner ear from its casing. This can be a breakthrough in the research of inner ear pathologies providing a superior method for study and diagnosis of the inner ear. Studies must be made post-mortem because synchrotrons emit radiation that is too high for living humans, but researchers expect that low-radiation devices will be available in the future. Additional info click here.