Antioxidants prevent hearing loss in animals

Vitamin supplements can prevent hearing loss in laboratory animals, according to two new studies conducted by US scientists. The  antioxidants beta carotene, vitamins C and E and the mineral magnesium  prevented both temporary and permanent hearing loss in test animals  when administered prior to exposure to loud noise.

In the first study, University of Florida, University of Michigan and  OtoMedicine scientists gave guinea pigs the vitamin supplements prior to  a four-hour exposure to noise at 110 decibels, similar to levels reached  at a loud concert. They assessed hearing by measuring sound-evoked  neural activity and found that the treatment successfully prevented  temporary hearing loss in the animals.

In humans, temporary noise-induced hearing loss typically goes away  after a few hours or days as the cells in the inner ear heal. Because  repeated temporary hearing loss can lead to permanent impairment, the  scientists speculate that prevention of temporary changes may ultimately  prevent permanent damage.