Drugs to prevent hearing loss expected within 5 years

The first drugs to treat hearing conditions could be available by 2020 according to a new report launched today by charity Action on Hearing Loss (formerly RNID).

With five drugs already in the final stages of clinical testing and a further 13 in the early stages of clinical development, the charity expects the first new drugs to be approved and on the market by 2020. The pioneering new treatments will help alleviate some types of tinnitus, reduce hearing loss associated with loud noise exposure, middle ear infections and counter specific anti-cancer drugs that cause hearing loss.

The Hearing Progress reporthighlights the significant advancements made by the charity over the last 15 years in its quest to find treatments to protect and restore hearing, silence tinnitus and improve today’s technology.