title: Emerging therapeutic interventions against noise-induced hearing loss.
abstract: Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) due to industrial, military, and recreational noise exposure is a major, but also potentially preventable cause of acquired hearing loss. For the United States it is estimated that 26 million people (15% of the population) between the ages of 20 and 69 have a high-frequency NIHL at a detriment to the quality of life of the affected individuals and great economic cost to society. Areas covered: This review outlines the pathology and pathophysiology of hearing loss as seen in humans and animal models. Results from molecular studies are presented that have provided the basis for therapeutic strategies successfully applied to animals. Several compounds emerging from these studies (mostly antioxidants) are now being tested in field trials. Expert opinion: Although no clinically applicable intervention has been approved yet, recent trials are encouraging. In order to maximize protective therapies, future work needs to apply stringent criteria for noise exposure and outcome parameters. Attention needs to be paid not only to permanent NIHL due to death of sensory cells but also to temporary effects that may show delayed consequences. Existing results combined with the search for efficacious new therapies should establish a viable treatment within a decade.
authors.affiliation: a Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine , Medical University of South Carolina , Charleston , SC , USA.
authors.forename: Su-Hua
authors.initials: SH
authors.lastname: Sha
authors.affiliation: b Kresge Hearing Research Institute , University of Michigan , Ann Arbor , MI , USA.
authors.forename: Jochen
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Schacht
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000818:Animals; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006317:Hearing Loss, Noise-Induced / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D011788:Quality of Life; D013997:Time Factors; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D000975:Antioxidants
keywords: Antioxidants; N-acetylcysteine; hair cells; magnesium; neurotrophins; noise trauma; oxidative stress; synaptopathy; vasoconstriction