[Prevention of deafness]

About 17% of the population is affected by deafness. Etiologies may vary but the result is often the degeneration of the hair cells and the auditory neurons induced by factors present in environment of the individual. Therefore, the modification of this environment is crucial to preserve the neurosensory structures of the inner ear. In this paper, we will review two major causes of deafness: drug induced and sound trauma induced hearing loss for which a protective strategy can be available. Aminoglycosides and platin derivatives are toxic for the inner ear and the understanding of the pathophysiology of the ototoxic effects allowed to develop new therapeutic strategies to prevent the death of hair cells and auditory neurons. Sound trauma results from exposure to loud sound for prolonged period of time. The most common cause is professional. Prevention strategy includes collective and individual measures, as well as a careful information of the medical personal. Some new drugs are also in a developmental stage.