University of Guanajuato 1 article published in JoVE Neuroscience Optogenetic Stimulation of the Auditory Nerve Victor H. Hernandez1,2,5, Anna Gehrt1,3, Zhizi Jing3, Gerhard Hoch1, Marcus Jeschke1, Nicola Strenzke3, Tobias Moser1,2,4 1InnerEarLab, Department of Otolaryngology, University Medical Center Goettingen, 2Bernstein Focus for Neurotechnology, University of Goettingen, 3Auditory Systems Physiology Group, Department of Otolaryngology, University Medical Center Goettingen, 4Center for Nanoscale Microscopy and Molecular Physiology of the Brain, University of Goettingen, 5Department of Chemical, Electronic, and Biomedical Engineering, University of Guanajuato Cochlear implants (CIs) enable hearing by direct electrical stimulation of the auditory nerve. However, poor frequency and intensity resolution limits the quality of hearing with CIs. Here we describe optogenetic stimulation of the auditory nerve in mice as an alternative strategy for auditory research and developing future CIs.
