Studies presented at the Association for Research in Otolaryngology’s annual conference earlier this year suggests that it may be possible for a combination of vitamins to protect against noise-induced and even age-related hearing loss in humans. Two separate studies, one using guinea pigs and the other, mice—showed that vitamin supplements containing the antioxidants beta carotene, vitamins C and E and the mineral magnesium prevented both temporary and permanent hearing loss during and after exposure to loud noises.
In the first study, test animals were exposed to sounds at 110 decibels for four hours, a noise level roughly equivalent to what people experience at rock concerts. The second study showed that supplements prevented permanent hearing loss in mice that would typically occur after a single, extremely loud sound exposure.
According to University of Florida scientist and senior author of the studies, Colleen Le Prell, Ph.D., “What is appealing about this vitamin ‘cocktail’ is that previous studies in humans, including those demonstrating successful use of these supplements in protecting eye health, have shown that supplements of these particular vitamins are safe for long-term use.” Dr. LePrell’s comments were distributed via a press release on the ear studies.
So how is it that nutritional supplements could actually protect hearing? Theories suggest these compounds “mop up” free radicals that can damage healthy cells in the ear. According to the researchers’ statement to the media, the antioxidants beta carotene, vitamins C and E prevent hearing damage by “scavenging” these free radicals. Magnesium helps maintain blood flow to the inner ear and aids in healing.
I occasionally see patients who have experienced a temporary hearing loss after loud noise exposures and have recommended use of these vitamins based on some previous studies reporting their efficacy in the use of acoustic trauma. If you experience a hearing loss after being exposed to loud noise, these vitamins maybe indicated to treat. Dr. Le Prell and her colleagues are currently engaged in clinical trials of the vitamin supplements. Funded by the National Institutes of Health, the research studies the affects of these compounds in students who wear MP3 music players and military troops exposed to loud noises. To read more about vitamins and hearing loss prevention, click on one of the links below:
Read more about A Pill to Prevent Hearing Loss from US News.
source of Vitamins Protect Against Noise-Induced Hearing Loss: Natural News