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Potomac Institute for Policy Studies Holds Press Conference on U.S. Navy Discovering Cure for Noise-related Deafness

27 July, 1998

Arlington, Va. - In a medical breakthrough that will help tens of millions of Americans at risk for noise-induced hearing loss, the Naval Medical Center in San Diego, sponsored by the Medical Science and Technology Division of the Office of Naval Research, has successfully tested a technique that restores hearing loss if taken within hours following exposure to loud noise. It can also "inoculate" users against such loss if used before such exposure. The technique, which Navy researchers describe as unique, uses micro-devices inserted in the ear to deliver anti-oxidant pharmaceuticals that rescue the hypersensitive hair cells that are fundamental to sound detection. U.S. armed forces currently incur medical costs of more than 1 billion dollars per year to treat active-duty and retired personnel for avoidable hearing loss while in service. Such hearing loss often occurs during years 6-16 of an individual’s military service, often forcing early medical retirement.

This Office of Naval Research pioneering medical advance will be outlined at a press briefing scheduled for 0830 on Friday, July 31st, at the Potomac Institute for Policy Studies, 1600 Wilson Blvd., Suite 1200, Arlington, VA 2209 (tel 703-525-0770/fax-0299). Contact John Bosma (x239) for details.