Emerging treatments for noise-induced hearing loss

Areas covered: The review describes the epidemiology, pathology and pathophysiology of NIHL in experimental animals and humans. The underlying molecular mechanisms of damage are then discussed as a basis for therapeutic approaches to ameliorate the loss of auditory function. Finally, studies in military, industrial and recreational settings are evaluated. Literature was searched using the terms ''noise-induced hearing loss'' and ''noise trauma''. Expert opinion: NIHL, in principle, can be prevented. With the current pace of development, oral drugs to protect against NIHL should be available within the next 5 -- 10 years. Positive results from ongoing trials combined with additional laboratory tests might accelerate the time from the bench to clinical treatment.