关键词：听力损失;噪声;临床试验;耳朵保护者;接触(生理学);安慰剂
摘 要：Hearing loss can render a soldier less able to detect and identify the enemy, less able to understand commands, particularly in background noise typical on the battlefield, and may permanently reduce quality of life. Currently, no FDA approved pharmacological prevention exists for noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). We have documented in animal studies that administration of D-methionine (D-met) can reduce or prevent NIHL.We now need to determine if it has similar efficacy in humans.This prospective study is a randomized, double-blind, placebocontrolled Phase 3 clinical trial of oral D-met to reduce noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) and tinnitus. The goal of the study is to develop a safe, oral pharmacological agent to augment physical hearing protectors for noise exposures that exceed the protective capabilities of ear plugs and/or muffs. The study population is a cohort of Drill Sergeant (DS) instructor trainees during and 22 days after their 11 day weapons training. The primary objective of this study is to determine the efficacy of DMet in preventing NIHL or reducing tinnitus secondary to a minimum of 500 rounds of M-16 weapons training occurring over an 11 day period.