Compounds for the prevention and treatment of noise-induced hearing loss

Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is the leading occupational disease and a major contributor to the development of age-related hearing loss. The pharmacological prevention and treatment of NIHL has been under preclinical investigation for the past 20 years. Promising treatments have now been identified and entered into clinical development. Within the next five years, safe and effective drugs could be approved as the first generation of otoprotectants. This review covers strategies that are under investigation for NIHL. Drugs that effectively prevent and treat NIHL will have a significant impact on medical costs, disability compensation and several issues affecting the quality of life.