Antioxidants May Protect Hearing

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Antioxidants may protect hearing

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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