Ionotropic receptor with a probable role in the modulation of auditory stimuli. Agonist binding may induce an extensive change in conformation that affects all subunits and leads to opening of an ion-conducting channel across the plasma membrane. The channel is permeable to a range of divalent cations including calcium, the influx of which may activate a potassium current which hyperpolarizes the cell membrane. In the ear, this leads to a reduction in basilar membrane motion, altering the activity of auditory nerve fibers and reducing the range of dynamic hearing. This may protect against acoustic trauma. Forms heterooligomeric channels in conjunction with CHRNA9. The native outer hair cell receptor may be composed of CHRNA9-CHRNA10 heterooligomers. Interacts with the conotoxin GeXXA (PubMed:26395518). Interacts with the alpha-conotoxin RgIA (PubMed:25740413). Expressed in the outer hair cells of the cochlea and the neurons of dorsal root ganglia. Expression in the inner hair cells of the ear is lost at the onset of hearing, around P12. This correlates with a loss of sensitivity of these cells to cholinergic stimuli. The heterooligomeric receptor composed of CHRNA9 and CHRNA10 has an atypical pharmacological profile, binding several non-nicotinic ligands including strychnine (a glycine receptor antagonist) and atropine (a muscarinic acetylcholine receptor antagonist). Belongs to the ligand-gated ion channel (TC 1.A.9) family. Acetylcholine receptor (TC 1.A.9.1) subfamily. Alpha-10/CHRNA10 sub-subfamily.