This prospective study is a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled 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 D-Met in preventing NIHL or reducing tinnitus secondary to a minimum of 500 rounds of M-16 weapons training occurring over an 11 day period.
Estimated Enrollment: 600
Study Start Date: October 2012
Estimated Study Completion Date: March 2018
Estimated Primary Completion Date: March 2017 (Final data collection date for primary outcome measure)
Phase 3 Clinical Trial: D-Methionine to Reduce Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL)
To develop a safe, oral pharmacological agent to augment physical hearing protectors.