Background: Noise exposure can lead to hearing loss and multiple system dysfunctions. As various forms of noise\nexist in our living environments, and our auditory organs are very sensitive to acoustic stimuli, it is a challenge to\nprotect our hearing system in certain noisy environments.\nPresentation of the hypothesis: Herein, we propose that our hearing organ could serve as a noise eliminator for\nhigh intensity noise and enhance acoustic signal processing abilities by increasing the signal-noise ratio. For\nsuprathreshold signals, the hearing system is capable of regulating the middle ear muscles and other structures to\nactively suppress the sound level to a safe range.\nTesting the hypothesis: To test our hypothesis, both mathematic model analyses and animal model studies\nare needed. Based on a digital 3D reconstructed model, every structure in the auditory system can be\nanalyzed and tested for its contribution to the process of noise reduction. Products manufactured by this\nbionic method could be used and verified in animal models and volunteers.\nImplications: By mimicking the noise-reduction effect of the sophisticated structures in the hearing system,\nwe may be able to provide a model that establishes a new active-sound-suppression mode. This innovative\nmethod may overcome the limited capabilities of current noise protection options and become a promising\npossibility for noise prevention.
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