WORLD OF MEDICINE

A NEW WAY TO PROTECT YOUR EARS

Exposure to loud noise, such as an earsplitting concert, is a common cause of hearing loss. But now we may have a way to prevent it. A University of Southern California study found that exposure to 100 decibels of sound or more—equivalent to a power lawn mower or motorcycle—causes inner ear fluid buildup and nerve cell damage. However, when researchers applied a salt-based solution inside affected ears one hour after noise exposure, the solution drew out the excess fluid, reducing the damage. After more testing, people exposed to loud noises could be scanned for possible fluid buildup and treated with a prescription that might end up saving their hearing.