Calcium-channel blockers as therapeutic agents for acquired sensorineural hearing loss

Acquired sensorineural hearing loss represents a challenging clinical scenario. Currently, there are few approved therapies for treating this type of hearing loss, and diagnosis is often made after permanent damage has occurred. There are numerous etiologies for acquired hearing loss, with complex mechanisms underlying each cause. Despite these complexities, apoptosis of the structures within the inner ear, is a theme common to many forms of acquired hearing loss. Apoptosis is a calcium-dependent process, and within the inner ear, L- and T-type calcium channels are believed to contribute to calcium availability during this process. There are few studies limited to animal models evaluating the role of calcium-channel blockers (CCBs) as otoprotective agents in the setting of acquired hearing loss. Here, I hypothesize that CCBs will provide utility as a therapy against acquired forms of sensorineural hearing loss by preventing calcium influx that occurs during inner ear cellular apoptosis.