Integrated Proteomic Profiling of Inner Ear and Systemic Fluids Following Noise-Induced Hearing Loss in Rats

This project investigates proteomic changes associated with noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) using a rat model. Sprague–Dawley rats were exposed to acute broadband noise (110 dB SPL for 1 hour), resulting in an approximately 40 dB auditory threshold shift measured by cochlear nerve compound action potential (CAP). Proteomic profiling was performed on perilymph, cochlear-sourced cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), whole blood, and plasma to identify molecular responses to acoustic trauma. Comparative analysis revealed significant protein alterations across local cochlear fluids and systemic samples, highlighting pathways related to metabolism, immune responses, complement/coagulation, and lipid regulation. The dataset provides a resource for exploring molecular mechanisms of NIHL and identifying potential systemic biomarkers associated with cochlear injury.