| abstract |
Permanent hearing loss or deafness affects about 15% of people worldwide, about 40 million in the US alone, with no available treatment options. Age-related hearing loss (ARHL) is one of the most common forms of permanent hearing loss and deafness. ARHL is the most prevalent neurodegenerative and communication disorder, and a top 3 chronic medical conditions of our aged population. The incidence of ARHL is increasing, and cumulative effects of lifetime noise exposure, and widespread use of ototoxic chemotherapeutic and antibiotic drugs, have ototoxic side effects. A new drug is disclosed to prevent or slow the progression of ARHL, based upon natural, existing compounds. When given in the proper dosage the compounds have few, if any side effects, with in vitro experiments, and in vivo studies of aging mice, indicating is usefulness in preventing/treating one of the most pervasive forms of permanent hearing loss. |