Refined Auditory Brainstem Response Measurement Identified Potential Models of Congenital Deafness in Laboratory Mouse Strains

INTRODUCTION: To detect congenital hearing loss in mice, an objective measure is needed other than mouse behavioral observation. This study aimed to refine the methodology of auditory brainstem response measurement and identify potential congenital hearing loss models in laboratory mouse strains. METHODS: Mice were anesthetized and fitted with head electrodes. Each mouse underwent four ABR measurements according to four testing conditions: A - no chamber; conventional tone; B - chamber; conventional tone; C - no chamber; short tone; D - chamber; short tone. Potential congenital hearing loss models were identified using 10 mice from each strain (C57BL, BALB/c, CH3, ICR, and ddY) through sound-attenuated ABR measurements with short-tone bursts. Potential congenital hearing loss models exhibited hearing thresholds ≥30 dB in both ears. Data were analyzed for normal distribution and variance homogeneity using the D’Agostino-Pearson/Kolmogorov-Smirnov and F value tests, respectively. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), with the Tukey-Kramer test, was used to conduct parametric analysis, and the Kruskal-Wallis/Friedman test, with a Dunn’s test for post hoc analysis, was used to perform non-parametric analysis. RESULTS: The simultaneous use of a sound-attenuating chamber and short-tone bursts provided clearly defined wave patterns, even at lower sound intensities. Inbred strains, especially C57BL/6 sub-strains, constitute suitable congenital hearing loss models. CONCLUSIONS: Our study shows that environmental factors should be addressed in animal studies of hearing function. Potential congenital hearing loss models may be found amongst commercially available inbred strains.