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Brimonidine Therapy for Protection From Noise-Induced Hearing Loss
Jing Cai1, Na Zhang1, Yongdong Song1
1Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Shandong Provincial ENT Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China.
Aging Cell
|April 9, 2026
Summary
Brimonidine protects against noise-induced hearing loss by reducing inner ear glutamate excitotoxicity. Early cochlear protection with brimonidine offers significant long-term auditory benefits, highlighting the importance of youth noise protection.
Area of Science:
- Ototolaryngology
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Noise exposure is a primary cause of hearing loss.
- Limited effective preventive drugs are currently available for noise-induced hearing impairment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the protective effects of brimonidine against noise-induced inner ear hearing impairment in mice.
- To explore the underlying mechanisms and long-term outcomes of brimonidine's protective action.
Main Methods:
- Mice were divided into control, noise exposure, and brimonidine groups.
- A 62-week follow-up was conducted post-noise exposure.
- Evaluated inner ear glutamate concentration, inflammatory factors, immunoglobulins, glutaminase, and VGLUT2/3 expression.
Main Results:
- Brimonidine inhibited noise-induced increases in inner ear glutamate and downregulated inflammatory markers.
- It reduced glutaminase and VGLUT2/3 expression, decreasing glutamate synthesis and transport.
- Brimonidine protected synapses and spiral ganglion neurons long-term, preventing lasting auditory dysfunction.
Conclusions:
- Brimonidine mitigates noise-induced hearing loss by reducing glutamate excitotoxicity and inflammation.
- Early brimonidine intervention provides lasting cochlear protection, improving long-term auditory function.
- Enhancing noise protection from an early age is crucial for preserving auditory health.
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