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If
your guinea pig is suffering hearing loss from exposure to loud
music, a few antioxidants might help. And they might help you too.
In a study
from the University of Michigan Hearing Research Institute, guinea
pigs were given a mix of antioxidants - vitamins A, C, and E, along
with magnesium - one hour before exposure to a decibel level
equivalent to a jet engine taking off. The antioxidants were
continued for five days after the high decibel exposure.
When the
animals' hearing was compared to guinea pigs exposed to the same
decibels but without the aid of supplements, researchers found that
the antioxidant group experienced significantly less hearing loss.
 According to
the research team, the pre-exposure treatment may have helped by
suppressing the development of cell-damaging substances called free
radicals. The post-noise doses, in turn, may have lessened harm to
the auditory nerves.
Could humans
also reap the same benefits from the antioxidant mix? The Michigan
team will find that out in the next phase of their research in which
the antioxidants will be tested on soldiers who are exposed to high
decibel levels during training.
Along with
soldiers, others regularly exposed to noise pollution could
potentially benefit from the antioxidant combo -- such as pilots,
construction workers or musicians, and even fans of NASCAR, rock
concerts or MP3 players, according to the researchers.
But until more
is known about the antioxidants' effects on human hearing, it's
probably a good idea to turn down the volume on your iPod or MP3 and
take some antioxidants before, during and after exposure to any loud
noise.
Source:
SOURCE: Free Radical Biology & Medicine, May 1, 2007.
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