The effect of cellular senescence on hearing loss

Cellular senescence is a hallmark of aging characterized by a permanent state of cell cycle arrest, accompanied by various molecular and cellular changes that disrupts tissue and organ homeostasis. This disruption contributes to the development and progression of numerous chronic diseases, including age-related hearing loss (ARHL), which is defined as a gradual and irreversible hearing impairment resulting from cochlear aging. Among the many changes associated with biological aging, ARHL ranks among the top three chronic conditions affecting older individuals, leading to communication difficulties, social isolation, depression, and cognitive decline. Notably, targeting cellular senescence has shown significant promise in extending lifespan; however, the relationship between age-related diseases, particularly ARHL, remains to be fully elucidated. In this discussion, we explore the hallmarks of cellular senescence, and highlights its impacts on peripheral presbycusis.