Olivocochlear System Neurobiology and Pathophysiology in Relation to Psychiatric Disorders: A Perspective

Tourman, Narmeen

doi:10.30491/ijmr.2025.544342.1348

Olivocochlear System Neurobiology and Pathophysiology in Relation to Psychiatric Disorders: A Perspective

Document Type : Narrative Review

Author

Narmeen Tourman

Department of Audiology and Speech Pathology, An-Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine

10.30491/ijmr.2025.544342.1348

Abstract

Recent research indicates an association between auditory efferent abnormalities and the core symptoms of several psychiatric disorders. Neurobiological and electroacoustic studies further implicate CNTNAP2 gene mutations in these efferent anomalies. The medial olivocochlear bundle (MOCB), originating from the periolivary region surrounding the medial superior olive, regulates outer hair cell activity and modulates basilar membrane motion, thereby influencing cochlear input transmission. Impaired neurotransmission along the MOCB or structural alterations of the medial superior olive may lead to efferent auditory dysfunctions that remain undetected by standard audiological assessments. This review explores these mechanisms in relation to auditory hallucinations, selective mutism, tinnitus, and autism spectrum disorder .

Keywords

Selective Mutism

Auditory Hallucination

Tinnitus

Hyperacusis