Hair Cell Regeneration, Repair, and Protection

The sensory hair cells in the inner ear and vestibular system convert mechanical stimuli, sound and motion into neural activity that is responsible for the sensations of hearing, motion and head position. In mammals, the loss of hair cells from acoustic overstimulation, ototoxic drugs and aging is irreversible, leading to a permanent loss of function. However, it is now clear that hair cells in other vertebrates are capable of regenerating and recovering partial or complete function. Moreover, partially damaged hair cells can undergo self-repair or be protected from traumatic insults by external compounds. This volume provides a comprehensive survey of what is currently known about the regeneration, repair and protection of sensory hair cells and subsequent recovery of function in the auditory and vestibular system. The aim is to provide graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, clinicians and scientists in related disciplines with the biological bases of hair cells and with an understanding of the factors that contribute to their regeneration and repair.