Hearing loss is a prevalent health issue affecting millions of people worldwide. Recent studies have shown that hydrogen water, which contains molecular hydrogen (H2), may have potential therapeutic effects on hearing loss. This article will explore the potential benefits of hydrogen water for treating hearing loss, focusing on the findings of a double-blinded, randomized controlled clinical trial[1] and other related studies[2][3][4][5][6][7].

 

The Role of Oxidative Stress in Hearing Loss

Oxidative stress, caused by the generation of free radicals, plays a significant role in the development of hearing loss[1]. Cochlear blood flow disturbance increases nitric oxide (NO) production in the perilymph, which is attributed to the inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) pathway[1]. This increase in NO production contributes to cell damage and hearing loss.

Hydrogen Water as a Potential Treatment

Molecular hydrogen has been shown to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties[4]. It selectively reduces the hydroxyl radical, the most cytotoxic of the reactive oxygen species, which can help alleviate oxidative stress[3]. Animal studies have demonstrated that hydrogen water can attenuate noise-induced hearing loss in guinea pigs[3][7]. In these studies, hydrogen facilitated the recovery of hair cell function and reduced temporary hearing loss[3][7].

Clinical Trial on Hydrogen Inhalation Therapy

A double-blinded, randomized controlled clinical trial investigated the effectiveness of hydrogen inhalation therapy for idiopathic sudden sensorineural hearing loss (ISSNHL) [1]. This trial was the first to examine the effectiveness of H2 in treating hearing loss in humans[5]. The results of this trial are yet to be published, but it represents a significant step in understanding the potential benefits of hydrogen water for treating hearing loss.

Hydrogen Inhalation Therapy in Other Studies

In addition to the clinical trial mentioned above, other studies have explored the effects of hydrogen inhalation therapy on hearing loss. One study found that after four weeks of hydrogen inhalation, patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma experienced improved hearing[2]. The study concluded that the hearing improvement was undoubtedly attributable to hydrogen inhalation, as no other medical interventions were given during the treatment period[2].

Another study demonstrated that inhalation of molecular hydrogen could serve as a rescue treatment for noise-induced hearing loss[4]. This study suggested that hydrogen might penetrate through the cochlear barriers and reach the organ of Corti, providing therapeutic benefits[4].

Conclusion

Hydrogen water has shown promise as a potential treatment for hearing loss in animal studies and limited human trials. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of molecular hydrogen may help alleviate oxidative stress and reduce hearing loss. Further research, including the results of the double-blinded, randomized controlled clinical trial[1], is needed to fully understand the potential benefits of hydrogen water for treating hearing loss and to establish appropriate treatment protocols.

Citations:
[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9731512/
[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9008775/
[3] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20888392/
[4] https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fncel.2021.658662/full
[5] https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnins.2022.1024634/full
[6] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0168010214001850
[7] https://www.researchgate.net/publication/47298945_Hydrogen_in_drinking_water_attenuates_noise-induced_hearing_loss_in_guinea_pigs
[8] https://www.oncotarget.com/article/21130/text/