Health risks attributed to low-frequency noise (LFN) exposure are a serious global issue. Therefore, the development of a method for a prevention based upon risk assessments for LFN is important. Previously in vivo exposure of mice to LFN at 100 Hz, 95 dB for 1 hr produced imbalance with breakage of the otoconial membrane, which covers hair cells as well as impaired activity of hair cells in the vestibule. However, methods for inhibition of LFN-mediated imbalance have not been developed. At present, there are no apparent techniques available with in vitro or ex vivo assessments to evaluate LFN-mediated imbalance by direct administration of preventive chemicals into the vestibule. Our findings demonstrated the usefulness of an explant culture of the utricle with a fluorescent styryl dye, FM1-43FX. In addition, examination of the morphology of the otoconial membrane with explant cultures of utricles was conducted to determine the risk of LFN. Ex vivo exposure of the utricle to LFN at 100 Hz, 95 dB for 1 hr induced breaks in the otoconial membrane as well as decreased uptake of FM1-43FX in hair cells. Taken together, the results of this study provide a novel technique for assessing the risk of LFN exposure using an ex vivo experiment.

暴露于低频噪声（LFN）的健康风险是一个严重的全球性问题。因此，开发基于LFN风险评估的预防方法非常重要。以前，小鼠在体内以100 Hz，95 dB的LFN暴露于人体中1小时，导致耳锥膜破裂（包括覆盖毛细胞）以及前庭中的毛细胞活性受损，从而导致失衡。然而，尚未开发出抑制LFN介导的失衡的方法。目前，尚无明显的体外或离体技术通过将预防性化学药品直接施用到前庭来评估LFN介导的失衡。我们的发现证明了用荧光苯乙烯基染料FM1-43FX进行的外植体培养是有用的。另外，用外植体培养物检查耳膜的形态，以确定LFN的风险。离体暴露于100 Hz，95 dB的LFN于1小时的LFN诱发耳圆锥膜破裂以及毛细胞中FM1-43FX的吸收减少。两者合计，这项研究的结果提供了一种使用离体实验评估LFN暴露风险的新颖技术。