Hearing is one of the most important senses of the human body. It helps us communicate and connect with others, and also helps us perceive the world around us. However, as we age, the ability to hear may decrease, leading to hearing loss.

Hearing loss can impede communication, decrease quality of life, and reduce social interactions. Although hearing aids and cochlear implants are the common treatment for hearing loss, certain medications may help to reverse hearing loss. In this article, we will explore the medications that can reverse hearing loss.

1. Steroids

Steroids have anti-inflammatory properties and can help to reverse sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSHL) caused by inflammation. SSHL is a rapid loss of hearing that occurs over hours or days and affects one ear.

Steroids are administered orally, injected into the ear or implanted into the middle ear. The treatment duration varies from person to person. However, it is necessary to administer a steroid taper to avoid relapse.

2. Furosemide

Furosemide is a diuretic that is used to treat edema and hypertension. However, it also has a positive effect on hearing. It affects the regulation of the inner ear and helps to reverse hearing loss caused by ototoxicity (ear poisoning).

Furosemide is administered orally or intravenously, depending on the severity of the hearing loss. However, the dosage and treatment duration should be determined by a physician.

3. Vitamin Supplements

Vitamins such as A, C, and E, and B-complex vitamins, are important for maintaining the health of the auditory system.

A study conducted by the University of Florida showed that vitamin supplements can help to improve hearing and reduce the risk of hearing loss. Vitamin supplements are available in the form of tablets, capsules, and liquid, and can be taken orally. However, it is necessary to consult a physician before taking any supplements.

4. Magnesium

Magnesium is an essential mineral that plays a vital role in maintaining the health of the inner ear. It helps to protect the ears from loud noises and ototoxicity.

A study conducted by the University of Auckland showed that magnesium supplements can reduce the risk of noise-induced hearing loss. Magnesium supplements are available in the form of tablets and capsules and can be taken orally. However, the dosage and treatment duration should be determined by a physician.

5. Piracetam

Piracetam is a nootropic drug that improves cognitive function and memory. However, it also has a positive effect on the auditory system. It improves blood flow to the inner ear and reduces the risk of hearing loss caused by age-related degeneration.

Piracetam is administered orally and the dosage and treatment duration should be determined by a physician.

6. N-acetylcysteine (NAC)

NAC is a commonly used antioxidant that can help to reduce the risk of hearing loss. It protects the ears from oxidative stress caused by exposure to loud noises.

A study conducted by the University of Memphis showed that NAC supplements can help to prevent noise-induced hearing loss. NAC supplements are available in the form of tablets and capsules and can be taken orally. However, it is necessary to consult a physician before taking any supplements.

7. Gingko Biloba

Gingko Biloba is a popular herbal supplement that is used to improve cognitive function and memory. However, it also has a positive effect on the auditory system.

It improves blood flow to the inner ear and reduces the risk of hearing loss caused by age-related degeneration. A study conducted by the University of Michigan showed that Gingko Biloba supplements can help to improve hearing. Gingko Biloba supplements are available in the form of tablets, capsules, and liquid and can be taken orally.

However, it is necessary to consult a physician before taking any supplements.

8. D-methionine

D-methionine is an amino acid that can help to protect the ears from damage caused by free radicals. It is commonly used in chemotherapy to protect the ears from ototoxicity.

A study conducted by the University of Michigan showed that D-methionine supplements can help to reduce the risk of noise-induced hearing loss. D-methionine supplements are available in the form of tablets and capsules and can be taken orally. However, it is necessary to consult a physician before taking any supplements.

9. Aspirin

Aspirin is commonly used to relieve pain and fever. However, long-term use of aspirin can cause hearing loss. Research shows that taking a lower dose of aspirin or discontinuing the use of aspirin can help to reverse hearing loss caused by aspirin.

It is necessary to consult a physician before starting or stopping the use of aspirin.

10. Zinc

Zinc is an essential mineral that plays a vital role in maintaining the health of the inner ear. It helps to protect the ears from oxidative stress and ototoxicity.

A study conducted by the University of Michigan showed that zinc supplements can help to reduce the risk of age-related hearing loss. Zinc supplements are available in the form of tablets and capsules and can be taken orally. However, the dosage and treatment duration should be determined by a physician.

Conclusion

Hearing loss can affect quality of life and impede communication. Although hearing aids and cochlear implants are common treatments for hearing loss, certain medications can also help to reverse hearing loss.

Medications such as steroids, furosemide, vitamin supplements, magnesium, piracetam, NAC, Gingko Biloba, D-methionine, aspirin, and zinc have positive effects on the auditory system and can help to reverse hearing loss. However, it is necessary to consult a physician before taking any medication or supplements to avoid adverse effects.