Drug-Therapeutic Strategies for Noise-Induced Hearing Loss: A Narrative Review

Abstract

With the rapid development of industrialisation, noise exposure is becoming increasingly prevalent. The detrimental effects of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) have become clinically relevant. Therefore, effective drug therapeutic strategies for NIHL are urgently needed. This article reviewed the pathophysiology and potential molecular mechanisms of NIHL and classified and summarised the drug therapeutic strategies. Drug therapeutic strategies of NIHL can be further studied in agents such as corticosteroids, antioxidants, neurotrophic factors, herbal medicine, magnesium and statins. Given the current research progress, ongoing positive test results and pilot studies may lead to new pharmacological regimens to alleviate NIHL.

Keywords: Auditory; drug therapy; hair cell; hearing loss; noise-induced.