Protective effects of vitamins/antioxidants on occupational noise-induced hearing loss: A systematic review

Abstract

Objectives Occupational noise‐induced hearing loss (NIHL) due to industrial, military, and other job ‐related noise exposure can cause harmful health issues to occupied workers, but may also be potentially preventable. Vitamins/antioxidant have been studied as therapeutic strategies to prevent and/or delay the risks of human diseases as well as NIHL .So, this study was conducted to systematically review the protective effects of vitamins/antioxidants on occupational NIHL. Methods Online databases including PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, EMBASE, Science Direct, and Google Scholar were systematically searched up to 12 January 2021. Based on 6336 potentially relevant records identified through the initial search in the databases, 12 full‐text publications were retrieved, one of which can be viewed as two separate trials, because it has studied the effects of two different antioxidants (ginseng and NAC) on NIHL, separately. Results A review of the studies shows that vitamin B12, folic acid, and N‐acetylcysteine (NAC) have a considerable protective effect on NIHL. However, these protective effects are not yet specified in different frequencies. The findings regarding the protective effects of other antioxidants are inconsistent in this field. Conclusion Vitamin B12, folic acid, and NAC may have a protective effect as an antioxidant on reducing occupational hearing loss. For a conclusive evidence of vitamin/antioxidant protective therapies, future studies with precise criteria for noise exposure and similar outcome parameters are required.

Association of dietary factors with noise-induced hearing loss in Korean population: A 3-year national cohort study

“…Similarly, Kopke et al found that antioxidants help in reducing hearing damage after exposure to intense noises [23]. Studies have also suggested the association of vitamins B9 (folate) and B12 with HL [24]. A healthy diet rich in many nutrients may provide protection against HL through several mechanisms, including regulation of oxidative stress, protection of cochlear blood flow, reduction of neuroinflammation, and neurodegeneration of auditory nerve fibers and central auditory pathways [25].…”

Development and in vivo validation of small interfering RNAs targeting NOX3 to prevent sensorineural hearing loss

“…Oxidative stress is associated with many forms of acquired hearing loss and antioxidants have therefore been considered as potential prophylactic drugs particularly in the context of noise-induced hearing loss (30,31). Despite overall promising preclinical data, many trials have been abandoned due to a lack of efficacy in humans (31). Antioxidants are likely to counteract the acute phase of ROS production leading to oxidative stressmediated unspecific damages.…”

Association of Dietary Factors with Noise Induced Hearing Loss in Korean Population: A 3-Year National Cohort Study

“…Also, vitamin B12, folic acid, and NAC may have a protective effect on reducing occupational NIHL. 9 Furthermore, studies have shown that magnesium and minerals have the prophylactic effects in reducing the NIHL. 16,17 Our results showed the effect of vitamin A consumption in reducing NIHL.…”

“…8 Vitamins B9 (folate) and B12 have also been studied to be associated with hearing loss. 9 A healthy diet rich in many nutrients may be protective against hearing loss by several mechanisms, including regulating oxidative stress, protecting cochlear blood ow, and reducing neuroin ammation and neurodegeneration of auditory nerve bers and central auditory pathways. 10 Although previous research has shown how NIHL is associated with various risk factors, its association with dietary factors has not been investigated in population-based studies.…”