Hydrogen Gas Protects Against Noise-Induced Hearing Loss in Animal Study
- Authors
- Kristian Pirttilä, Pernilla Videhult Pierre, Jakob Haglöf, Mikael Engskog, Mikael Hedeland, Göran Laurell, Torbjörn Arvidsson, Curt Pettersson
- Journal
- Metabolomics
- Year
- 2019
- DOI
- 10.1007/s11306-019-1595-1
- Study Type
- Guinea Pig
- Outcome
- Positive
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Country
- Sweden
- Health Condition
- Noise-Induced Hearing Loss
- Body System
- Auditory System
TL;DR
Inhaling hydrogen gas may help reduce the damage to the inner ear caused by loud noise, as shown by changes in the ear fluid's chemical makeup in guinea pigs.
Key Finding
Hydrogen gas inhalation produced distinct changes in the chemical composition of inner ear fluid in noise-exposed guinea pigs, with differences in protective molecules called osmoprotectants and energy-related compounds called acylcarnitines.
Summary
Researchers exposed guinea pigs to loud noise and measured chemical changes in the fluid inside their inner ears (perilymph). They found that guinea pigs that breathed hydrogen gas after noise exposure had different chemical patterns in their ear fluid compared to those exposed to noise alone, suggesting hydrogen may protect against noise-related hearing damage by reducing harmful molecules called reactive oxygen species.
Practical Takeaway
This is an early-stage animal study showing hydrogen gas may have protective effects on the inner ear during noise exposure. However, this was conducted only in guinea pigs, and the study did not measure actual hearing ability or test whether these chemical changes translate to real hearing protection. Much more research, including human studies, would be needed before drawing conclusions about hydrogen water's usefulness for hearing health.
Abstract (excerpt)
Introduction Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is an increasing problem in society and accounts for a third of all cases of acquired hearing loss. NIHL is caused by formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the cochlea causing oxidative stress. Hydrogen gas (H2) can alleviate the damage caused…