Abstract

Overview

Hearing loss (HL) is identified as a common and highly variable disorder affecting the sensory system on a global scale. It involves several cellular components of the acoustic nerve in the cochlea, including hair cells, spiral ganglion neurons, supportive glia-like cells, and Schwann cells (SCs).

Findings

• SCs, essential for nerve insulation and myelin formation, are pivotal when injured, undergoing transformation into stem-like cells.
• Vestibular schwannoma (VS), a benign tumor originating from SCs on the acoustic nerve, has been highlighted as a contributing factor to HL.
• The role of SCs in the development and progression of VS and HL have been underexplored, despite known biological processes.

Environmental Concerns

Significant emphasis is placed on environmental influences, potentially impacting HL's onset or progression. Among these, electromagnetic fields (EMFs) from electronic devices show a suspected risk to human health, including associations with VS.

Conclusion

This review integrates bench-side biomolecular research with clinical bedside practices crucial for improving otology diagnosis, prediction, and treatment approaches. However, it posits an urgent need for more extensive investigations into the impactful role of environmental factors like EMFs on human health.