Neuroinflammation, Neurodegeneration, and Auditory-Vestibular Disorders

The connection between auditory or vestibular disorders and neuroinflammatory or neurodegenerative diseases has gained increased attention due to their impact on individuals’ quality of life. This association may derive from shared predisposing factors and pathophysiological mechanisms, causal relationships, and anatomical connections. Neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative diseases, such as migraine, autoimmune neuritis, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, and Alzheimer’s disease, often manifest with varying degrees of audio-vestibular dysfunction, ranging from mild hearing impairment to severe disruptions in processing sound stimuli and unbalance. Moreover, auditory or vestibular disorders can result in cognitive impairment and dementia, pointing at common predisposing factors and causal relationships. Finally, the anatomical connection between the inner ear and the cerebrospinal fluid is a valid path for the bidirectional spread or sharing of neuroinfective-neuroinflammatory pathogenetic mechanisms.
Investigating the underlying mechanisms of auditory-vestibular impairments in the context of neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative diseases is essential for developing targeted interventions and personalized treatment strategies that address the holistic needs of affected individuals. By unraveling the complexities of the link between audio-vestibular dysfunction and these conditions, we can pave the way for improved diagnostic accuracy, early intervention protocols, and enhanced therapeutic outcomes for patients facing these challenging comorbidities.

This Research Topic aims to delve into the intricate interplay between neuroinflammation, neurodegeneration, and auditory-vestibular dysfunction occurring at any level from the peripheric sensory system to auditory and vestibular cortex areas. By exploring the pathophysiological pathways, diagnostic challenges, and therapeutic strategies related to audio-vestibular disorders in neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative diseases, we aim to provide a comprehensive overview (including clinical and animal studies) that can guide future research directions and clinical practices.

To gather further insights into the complex relationship between auditory-vestibular dysfunction and neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative diseases, we welcome the submission of any type of manuscript supported by the journal (including Brief Research Reports, Perspective, Mini-Review, Original Research, Systematic Review, etc.) pertaining, but not limited, to the following themes:
- Mechanisms of auditory or vestibular dysfunction in neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative diseases, including infectious and autoimmune diseases
- Common prognostic and pathophysiological factors among audio-vestibular disorders, neuroinflammatory, and neurodegenerative diseases
- Investigation of the involvement of peripheral and central auditory or vestibular system structures in disorders related to neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative diseases.
- Advances in the detection and use of multimodal biomarkers (such as neuroimaging, audio-vestibular testing, mRNA or other biochemical markers, and electrophysiological markers) for early detection and monitoring of auditory and vestibular disorders, including onset, relapse, or progression of neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative diseases.
- Therapeutic interventions targeting auditory-vestibular impairments in neurocognitive conditions.
- Impact of audio-vestibular deficits on patients’ overall cognitive and emotional well-being.

Articles accepted after peer review will be published and appear online as soon as approved for publication.

Keywords: auditory disorders, vestibular disorders, hearing loss, unbalance, neuroinflammation, neurodegeneration, cortical areas

Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.