Age-related Hearing Loss and Aldosterone Treatment

Abstract

Hearing loss is a common cause of disability in the global population. The prevalence of hearing loss is estimated to dramatically increase in the next decades with an increase in the number of older people. The fact that hearing loss correlates with aging suggests that age-related hearing loss (presbycusis) will be a critical issue and hearing care will be required. Untreated hearing loss has negative effects at multiple levels, such as hearing loss affecting the quality of life of hearing-impaired individuals, deteriorating family relationships, and interfering with economic growth. Unfortunately, treatments for hearing loss are limited to the use of hearing devices. Studies have shown that the number of hearing aid users is approximately 20% of all hearing-impaired individuals. Therefore, having alternative treatments is critical to reduce the number of people with hearing loss and to prevent a dramatic increase in the number of hearing-impaired individuals. In the future, a potential medication may be aldosterone (ALD). Studies have reported positive effects of ALD treatments on hearing loss in aged mice. ALD treatment in aged mice shows an improvement in hearing sensitivity and a healthier cochlear structure. Although higher ALD concentrations are associated with better hearing sensitivity and hearing in noise ability than lower concentrations, there is no clinical trial in ALD treatment in human has been reported.