Development of a semi-automated approach for the quantification of neuronal cells in the spiral ganglion of the whole implanted gerbil cochlea, acquired by light-sheet microscopy.

Light sheet microscopy provided complete visualization of the spiral ganglion and cell identification. The semi-automated counting method developed using Imaris software tools proved reliable and efficient and could be applied to a larger sample to assess post-cochlear implant cell damage and the efficacy of protective drugs delivered to the inner ear.