Hear Clear RX - For Healthy Ears

In a new study in animals, University of Michigan researchers report that a combination of high doses of vitamins A, C, and E and magnesium, taken one hour before noise exposure and continued as a once-daily treatment for five days, was very effective at preventing permanent noise-induced hearing loss.

Vitamins A, C and E and magnesium worked in synergy to prevent cell damage. According to researchers, pre- treatment presumably reduced reactive elements called free radicals that form during and after noise exposure and noise-induced constriction of blood flow to the inner ear, and may have also reduced neural excitotoxicity, or the damage to auditory neurons that can occur due to over-stimulation. The post-noise nutrient doses apparently “scavenged” free radicals that continue to form long-after after this noise exposure ends.

In the past 10 years, scientists have learned that noise-induced hearing loss occurs in part because cell mitochondria in the ear churn out damaging free radicals in response to loud sounds. Free radical formation bursts initially, then peaks again during the days after exposure. This suggest that a “morning after” treatment, that might minimize hearing damage for soldiers, musicians, pilots, construction workers and others — even if they don’t take it until after they experience dangerous noise levels. It was highlighted by the National Institutes of Health on the NIDCD website.

In effect, such pre- and post-noise treatments could have far-reaching effects. About 30 million Americans regularly experience hazardous noise levels at work and at home, according to the National Institute on Deafness and Communications Disorders. Hunting, snowmobiling, using machines such as leaf blowers, lawn mowers and power tools, and attending or playing in loud music concerts commonly expose people to dangerous noise levels. Noise levels above 85 decibels damage hearing. About 28 million Americans have some degree of hearing loss. For about a third of them, noise accounts at least in part for their loss.

"With something like what we’re developing, which is vitamins, minerals, things that are known to be safe already available over-the-counter, someone could easily take a daily supplement to prevent permanent noise-induced hearing loss. That’s ideal for someone who works in a noisy environment or someone who knows that periodically they’re exposed to noise".