A new study published in in the claims that a a simple salt or sugar based solution - injected directly into the eardrum after a noisy event - can help prevent a lifetime noise induced hearing loss (NIHL).
Conducted by researchers at the University Southern Califronia’s Keck School Medicine, the team built a device that would allow them to capture detailed photos the inner ear when exposed to loud noises. The images showed that hairs inside the cochela - the part the ear which transforms sound into something your brain can interpret - died f, followed by a liquid build-up in the ear that contains high levels potassium.
This liquid - which makes your ears feel “full” after being exposed for loud noises over an extended period time - is the same liquid that ends up killing the neurons in your ears. Now understanding that this liquid contains high levels potassium, researchers came up with a brilliant and basic solution. Knowing that both sugar and salt fset the effects potassium, they created a salt and sugar-based solution that can counteract the fluid’s neuron-killing effects if injected into the middle ear three hours after a noisy event.
A statement made in Keck School Medicine’s press release regarding the study claims that “researchers found that treatment with these solutions prevented 45–64 percent neuron loss, suggesting that the treatment may fer a way to preserve hearing function.”
It is important to reminder our readers that human trials regarding this new study have yet to begin and we don't suggest that you come home from the afters and throw salt and sugar into your ears.
Despite this promising development in the fight against deafness, hearing loss is a serious issue that is . Many music enthusiasts and DJs have had with tinnitus so be sure to to make sure hearing loss won't stop you from partying.
Check out the study by going
Via:]
Cameron is Mixmag's US Digital Staff Writer. Follow him on Twitter