Olivocochlear Efferents in Animals and Humans: From Anatomy to Clinical Relevance.

摘要: Olivocochlear efferents allow the central auditory system to adjust functioning of inner ear during active and passive listening. While many aspects efferent anatomy, physiology function are well established, others remain controversial. This article reviews current knowledge on olivocochlear efferents, with emphasis human medial efferents. The review covers (1) anatomy in animals; (2) methods used for investigating this feedback humans, their limitations best practices; (3) characteristics medial-olivocochlear a critical analysis some discrepancies across studies between animal studies; (4) possible roles hearing, discussing evidence favor against role facilitating detection signals noise protecting from excessive acoustic stimulation; (5) emerging association abnormal several health conditions. Finally, we summarize open issues introduce promising approaches hearing using cochlear implants.