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Vitamins, Magnesium May Avoid Hearing Loss

Posted on: Tuesday, 11 November 2008, 18:00 CST

A cocktail of vitamins and the mineral magnesium shows promise as a possible way to prevent hearing loss caused by loud noises, U.S. researchers suggest.

Researchers at the University of Michigan Kresge Hearing Research Institute and colleagues said the nutrients were successful in laboratory tests. In guinea pigs, the combination of the four micronutrients blocked about 80 percent of the noise-induced hearing impairment, the study said.

The micronutrients are being tested on humans. The combination of vitamins A, C and E, plus magnesium, is given in pill form to patients who are participating in the research. Developed at the U-M Kresge Hearing Research Institute, the medication, called AuraQuell, is designed to be taken before a person is exposed to loud noises.

"The prevention of noise induced hearing loss is key," Dr. Glenn E. Green of the University of Michigan Health System said in a statement.

"When we can't prevent noise-induced hearing loss through screening programs and use of hearing protection, then we really need to come up with some way of protecting people who are still going to have noise exposure. My hope is that this medication will give people a richer, fuller life."

Source: United Press International

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