Author response image 1. Additional published data demonstrating the link between temporary ABR threshold shift, permanent wave 1 ABR amplitude loss and permanent loss of cochlear afferent synapses in a C57BL6 hybrid mouse strain.
Cochlear afferent synapses are quantified by measuring GluR2+ puncta on peripheral auditory nerve processes that oppose synaptic ribbons, a presynaptic release protein complex at the base of the inner hair cell.