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Deaf pill sounds a good idea | The Daily Telegraph
SCIENTISTS have formulated a pill that could prevent or even reverse hearing loss that has been caused by loud noise.
Clinical trials are about to start in the US but early research suggests it can reverse the damage up to three days after it occurs.
It has been estimated that 15 per cent of those between the ages of 20 and 60 have hearing loss caused by personal stereos, rock concerts or factory machinery.
The damage can be caused by a single exposure to a very loud noise but more often is caused by exposure to noise over time.
This affects the ear's delicate hair cells that convert sound into electrical signals, which then travel to the brain. Once they are damaged, the hair cells cannot grow back, reducing hearing.
The pill is based on the idea these vibrations cause the release of destructive molecules called free radicals into the bloodstream.
Researchers had thought that antioxidants might prevent hearing loss only if the antioxidants were given before noise exposure.
However, research at Michigan University has shown that when the antioxidants were given up to three days after noise exposure any hearing loss was significantly reduced. However, if treatment was delayed until five days, it was not effective.
SCIENTISTS have formulated a pill that could prevent or even reverse hearing loss that has been caused by loud noise.
Clinical trials are about to start in the US but early research suggests it can reverse the damage up to three days after it occurs.
It has been estimated that 15 per cent of those between the ages of 20 and 60 have hearing loss caused by personal stereos, rock concerts or factory machinery.
The damage can be caused by a single exposure to a very loud noise but more often is caused by exposure to noise over time.
This affects the ear's delicate hair cells that convert sound into electrical signals, which then travel to the brain. Once they are damaged, the hair cells cannot grow back, reducing hearing.
The pill is based on the idea these vibrations cause the release of destructive molecules called free radicals into the bloodstream.
Researchers had thought that antioxidants might prevent hearing loss only if the antioxidants were given before noise exposure.
However, research at Michigan University has shown that when the antioxidants were given up to three days after noise exposure any hearing loss was significantly reduced. However, if treatment was delayed until five days, it was not effective.