Since the identification of biochemical pathways that drive noise-induced cell death in the inner ear in the 1990’s, there has been tremendous interest in the potential for development of “otoprotective” drugs. If there were medicines that were approved by national regulatory bodies (U.S. Food and Drug Administration, European Commission) as reliably decreasing or preventing noise injury, these medicines could potentially supplement hearing protection devices. The availability of effective medicines could allow more effective prevention of the development of noise-induced hearing loss and other auditory disorders (tinnitus, hyperacusis). Effective approved medicines could benefit not only soldiers and workers exposed to hazardous levels of occupational noise, but also musicians and other performing artists who are exposed to hazardous sound levels through their rehearsal and performance schedules. Despite the successes in rodent models, the outcomes in human clinical trials have been more mixed.
The focus of this session will be clinical trial outcomes in studies assessing prevention of noise-induced hearing loss in those exposed to diverse types of loud sound, and the current status of otoprotective drug development efforts. This session will also include some practical take home messages regarding dietary supplements that are marketed without the rigorous clinical trial testing that is used to assess experimental medicines. Despite the challenges encountered in human clinical trials, robust results in animal models and ongoing efforts in academia and industry provide hope that approved medicines will one day be available.
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