Preventing noise induced otoacoustic emission loss by increasing magnesium (Mg2+) intake in guinea-pigs.

This study aimed to explore the effects of increased Mg2+ intake on the activity of the outer hair cells as manifested in Click and Distortion Evoked Otoacoustic Emissions (CEOAEs; DPOAEs) in 25 animals. Thirteen animals were fed with high Mg2+ intake (39 mmol Mg2+/l in drinking water) and 12 without the Mg2+ additive. The OAE amplitudes and frequency ranges as well as the DPOAE thresholds were affected significantly less by noise exposure in the animals fed Mg2+-enriched water. Following the exposure, the auditory recovery was faster in the high than the low Mg2+ animals (controls). In addition, a relationship was found between the Mg2+ level and the emission loss. The post-exposure measures may result from the effect of Mg2+ on cochlear metabolic processes and vascular microcirculation. The results demonstrate that pre-existing low Mg2+ levels will exacerbate noise induced hearing loss (NIHL), and increased Mg2+ intake provides a significant biological cochlear protective effect.