Therapeutic Effect of Sildenafil (Viagra) on Blast-Induced Tinnitus and Auditory Impairment

This is quite a strange approach imho, since ED drugs with sildenafil like Viagra have also been linked to sudden hearing loss and T in humans...?

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24662845

Abstract
Blast-induced tinnitus, along with associated auditory impairment and traumatic brain injury, is a primary concern facing military service members. To search for treatment, we investigated the therapeutic effects of sildenafil, a phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor, given its vasodilation effects and evidence suggesting its beneficial effects on noise-induced hearing loss. Rats were subjected to three consecutive blast exposures at 22psi and were monitored for tinnitus using a gap-detection acoustic startle reflex paradigm. Hearing thresholds and detection were tested using auditory brainstem responses and prepulse inhibition, respectively. Blasted rats were either treated with sildenafil or tap water following blast exposure, while age-matched sham control rats were treated with sildenafil without blast exposure. Our results showed that sildenafil did not effectively prevent acute tinnitus onset and hearing impairment. Instead, sildenafil significantly suppressed high-frequency tinnitus from 3 to 6weeks after blast exposure and reduced hearing impairment during the first week after blast exposure. Complex results were observed in the startle force data, where sildenafil-treated rats displayed significantly reduced startle force compared to the untreated control group, suggesting of possible mitigation of traumatic brain injury and suppression of hyperacusis-like percepts. Taken together, sildenafil showed a therapeutic effect on blast-induced tinnitus and audiological impairment in a time-dependent manner. Other regimen such as higher dosage prior to blast exposure and in combination with other treatments deserves investigations to optimize therapeutic effects.

 

Thanks for posting!

 

Hmmm. "sildenafil-treated rats displayed significantly reduced startle force compared to the untreated control group, suggesting of possible mitigation of traumatic brain injury and suppression of hyperacusis-like percepts. "

Another interpretation of such a result would be that sildenafil caused or worsened tinnitus. I haven't read the full paper, though.

Jim

 

Was just curious reading this what caused the brain injury the loud noise or the shock wave from the blast??

 

Here's an FDA study about Viagra and other ED drugs related to T and sudden hearing loss. Stay away from these drugs.

http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety...ormationforPatientsandProviders/ucm106525.htm

 

Any news on this?
In antoher thread @Alue wrote this:

Human trials eh?

When I look at the swedish leaflet for Sildenafil, "ringing in the ears" is listed as a less common side effect (may appear in up to 1/100 users).