Abstract
The extracellular matrix（ECM）is a complex network structure composed of collagen，glycoproteins，and proteoglycans.It not only provides structural support and viscoelasticity to tissues but also participates in cell signaling，responding to environmental forces and signals to mediate tissue remodeling in response to environmental cues. Due to the intricate and precise functions of the inner ear，the perception and transmission of sound rely on the complex interactions between cochlear cell structures and the ECM. In the inner ear，the ECM not only constitutes key structures such as the basilar membranes（BM）and tectorial membranes（TM），which are essential for sound perception，but also regulates cell shape，adhesion，and migration.Certain ECM components interact with cell surface receptors to activate signaling pathways that regulate gene expression.Additionally，the ECM modulates the storage and diffusion of ions and secreted factors, creating concentration gradients.These functions are critical for inner ear development，repair，and function.Thus，the ECM plays a vital role in auditory processes，and abnormalities in ECM are a cause of certain hereditary hearing loss.This review primarily summarizes the ECM genes that lead to hearing loss.