It may just seem like common sense, but a new study confirms that things that are bad for the body tend to  negatively impact a range of human conditions including tinnitus and hearing loss.

A study on hearing loss at the Antwerp University, Belgium, found that smoking and obesity increase the chance of hearing loss, and subsequently tinnitus. Those who smoke or who are overweight are more at risk for hearing loss.

A healthy ear requires large amounts of oxygen and nutrients, which are supplied through the vascular system. The reason smoking and obesity affects hearing is similar to the reasons those factors can affect other organs. In smokers and obese individuals, lack of blood flow to the ears, coupled with failure to remove toxic waste from the ears, can impair hearing. Cardiovascular function is diminished by the stress put on the body by excess weight and/or smoking.

The study supports the idea that whether it is exposure to loud noise or a genetic predisposition to hearing loss, smoking and obesity will increase the odds that it will occur. And if that’s not enough to rethink or maintain a healthy lifestyle, studies also show that hearing loss can result in depression and financial loss!

Brent Curtis - Editor

Sound Pharmaceuticals (SPI) has received FDA notification that it may proceed with its Phase II study to prevent chemotherapy induced hearing loss. The Ph-II study will enroll 80 patients with advanced head and neck, and non-small cell lung cancer at the National Center for Rehabilitative Auditory Research at the Veterans Administration Hospital and the Oregon Health and Science University in Portland, Oregon.

Hearing loss due to ototoxic medications such as chemotherapy, antibiotics or loop diuretics often results in permanent and progressive disability. Furthermore, the combined use of these ototoxic agents is contraindicated, often limiting their clinical utility. Symptoms of ototoxicity include hearing loss, tinnitus, dizziness, vertigo and difficulty understanding speech.

In several preclinical studies, SPI has showed that its novel chemo-protectant drug product, a small molecule that mimics and induces Glutathione Peroxidase activity was critical in preventing ototoxicity while not interfering with the chemotherapy treatment.

An article on mosquito repellents  published by an English speaking website in Korea, Chosun Ilbo, caught our eye because of a tinnitus-related issue. One of the options discussed used to repel the pesky summertime critters can apparently cause tinnitus.

Electric mats used to keep mosquitoes at bay emit a powerful insecticide (also used in mosquito-aerosols) called pyathroid, which kills the creatures by paralyzing their nervous system. That’s a neat trick except when we learn that they can cause tinnitus, allergic rhinitis, asthma, sneezing, headache,  nausea or in extreme cases coma. Oh and its also rumored to reduce sperm count.

To quote SNL character,  Roseanne Roseannadanna (Gilda Radner), “It just goes to show ya. It’s always somethin’! If it’s not one thing, it’s another!

We couldn’t agree more.

Brent Curtis - Editor