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Health

Tamiflu seems to relieve noise-induced hearing loss in mice

Mice that were given a high dose of the antiviral drug oseltamivir phosphate, better known as Tamiflu, after prolonged and excessive noise exposure showed fewer signs of hearing loss compared with those not given the medication

By David Cox

24 May 2024

Tamiflu is an antiviral drug that is ordinarily used to treat or prevent flu

CTK Photo/Martin Sterba/Alamy

The antiviral medication Tamiflu appears to have eased noise-induced hearing loss in mice. While research in people is required, this could open the door to a treatment for a common type of deafness.

Noise-related hearing loss affects approximately 5 per cent of people worldwide. Prevention focuses on just avoiding loud sounds where possible, with treatments being limited to hearing aids and implants.

Only one drug, called sodium thiosulfate, has ever…

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