Pill May Reduce Hearing Loss from Noise
 (NY, AP, 10/11/03)

Permanent noise-induced hearing loss is a common condition cause by a noisy work environment and/or leisure activities that involve prolonged noise or extremely loud sounds. Earplugs and earmuffs may be helpful, but some noise levels overwhelm ear protection and can even go directly through the skull.

Current research is focusing on antioxidants, which may protect hearing by neutralizing the damaging free radicals created when the inner ear is exposed to loud sounds. Left unchecked, free radicals can kill the hair-like receptors that convert sound vibrations into nerve messages. While the ear normally protects itself by producing its own antioxidants, it can become overwhelmed under severe conditions.

The US military will be conducting a study of 600 Marines at Camp Pendleton in California. The marines will drink a flavored beverage with every meal for 2 weeks while they undergo rifle training. Half of the drinks will contain the antioxidant, N-acetylcysteine (NAC), while the other half will not. All of the marines will wear their usual protective earplugs. Col. Richard Kopke and colleagues, have previously conducted animal studies showing that NAC neutralizes free radicals, bolsters the ear's natural production of antioxidants and reduces hearing loss. The colonel predicts that the group receiving NAC will experience less hearing impairment.