Protective role of Nrf2 in age-related hearing loss and gentamicin ototoxicity

► We examined the role of Nrf2 in age-related hearing loss and gentamicin ototoxicity. ► Elder Nrf2-knockout mice have age-related hearing loss. ► Hair cell loss caused by gentamicin treatment was enhanced in the Nrf2-deficient tissues. ► The responses of Nrf2-target genes by gentamicin were reduced in Nrf2-knockout mice.