Cochlear Homeostasis in Sensorineural Hearing Loss: Mechanisms, Implications, and Therapeutic Prospects

Vlajkovic, Srdjan M.; Suzuki-Kerr, Haruna; Nayagam, Bryony A.

doi:10.3390/ijms27010102

Open AccessReview

Cochlear Homeostasis in Sensorineural Hearing Loss: Mechanisms, Implications, and Therapeutic Prospects

by

Srdjan M. Vlajkovic

^1,2,*

,

Haruna Suzuki-Kerr

^1,2

and

Bryony A. Nayagam

³

¹

Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand

²

Eisdell Moore Centre, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand

³

Department of Audiology and Speech Pathology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia

^*

Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.

Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27(1), 102; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27010102

Submission received: 3 November 2025 / Revised: 17 December 2025 / Accepted: 19 December 2025 / Published: 22 December 2025

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Inner Ear Disorders: From Molecular Mechanisms to Treatment)

Download

Browse Figures

Versions Notes

Abstract

Cochlear homeostasis is critical for the preservation of hearing sensitivity by maintaining optimal cochlear fluid composition, sustaining electrochemical gradients, and supporting the function of sensory and supporting cells in the cochlea. Sensorineural hearing loss, resulting from the damage or loss of sensory hair cells, auditory neurons and other cochlear cells and structures, is intimately linked to disruptions in the homeostatic environment. In this narrative review, we explore the cellular and molecular pathways underpinning cochlear homeostasis in health and disease and examine the mechanisms by which failed homeostasis leads to sensorineural hearing loss. We further discuss current research avenues and emerging therapeutic strategies to restore or compensate for the loss of homeostatic balance. These interventions suggest a future where regenerative healing is possible, ultimately leading to permanent repair and functional recovery.

Keywords: cochlea; homeostasis; stria vascularis; sensorineural hearing loss; gene therapy; regenerative medicine

Share and Cite

MDPI and ACS Style

Vlajkovic, S.M.; Suzuki-Kerr, H.; Nayagam, B.A. Cochlear Homeostasis in Sensorineural Hearing Loss: Mechanisms, Implications, and Therapeutic Prospects. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2026, 27, 102. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27010102

AMA Style

Vlajkovic SM, Suzuki-Kerr H, Nayagam BA. Cochlear Homeostasis in Sensorineural Hearing Loss: Mechanisms, Implications, and Therapeutic Prospects. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2026; 27(1):102. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27010102

Chicago/Turabian Style

Vlajkovic, Srdjan M., Haruna Suzuki-Kerr, and Bryony A. Nayagam. 2026. "Cochlear Homeostasis in Sensorineural Hearing Loss: Mechanisms, Implications, and Therapeutic Prospects" International Journal of Molecular Sciences 27, no. 1: 102. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27010102

APA Style

Vlajkovic, S. M., Suzuki-Kerr, H., & Nayagam, B. A. (2026). Cochlear Homeostasis in Sensorineural Hearing Loss: Mechanisms, Implications, and Therapeutic Prospects. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 27(1), 102. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms27010102

Note that from the first issue of 2016, this journal uses article numbers instead of page numbers. See further details here.

Article Menu

Cochlear Homeostasis in Sensorineural Hearing Loss: Mechanisms, Implications, and Therapeutic Prospects

Abstract

Share and Cite

Article Metrics

Article Access Statistics

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI