Optogenetics and Brain-Computer Interface: A New Path towards High-Precision Auditory Reconstruction

Hearing impairment not only affects language communication and social integration, but is also closely related to a variety of neuropsychiatric problems such as cognitive decline, increased risk of depression, and increased incidence of Alzheimers disease. With the rapid development of neural engineering and sensory substitution technology, combining optogenetics and brain-computer interface (BCI) provides a new technical path for high-fidelity auditory reconstruction. This paper reviews the current application status of optogenetics in the auditory system, explores the key biological mechanisms, representative research results, and system implementation solutions, and analyzes the main challenges and potential solutions this technology faces. Multiple animal model experiments verified that optical stimulation is superior to traditional electrical cochlear stimulation in frequency resolution, spatial positioning, and temporal accuracy, showing the possibility of becoming the next generation of artificial hearing systems. Finally, combined with current progress, this paper points out that the optogenetic auditory brain-computer interface system is expected to achieve multi-channel closed-loop control and promote its clinical application in high-precision cochlear implants and personalized neural prostheses. This line of research offers valuable conceptual grounding for developing next-generation auditory neuroprostheses based on precise neural modulation.