Nicotine Gum for Hearing Impairment
(Nicotine Trial)
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial will test if chewing nicotine gum can help improve hearing in young and older adults by enhancing how the brain processes sounds. Nicotine has been commonly used in studies, showing its benefits on mental performance.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
Yes, you will need to stop taking regular prescription medications, except for oral contraceptives, to participate in this trial.
Is nicotine gum safe for humans?
Research on nicotine, the main component of nicotine gum, shows that it generally does not harm the cochlea (inner ear) in guinea pigs at certain doses, but high doses can damage ear cells. In humans, nicotine does not significantly affect cochlear activity but can alter neural transmission of sound.12345
How does nicotine gum differ from other treatments for hearing impairment?
Nicotine gum is unique for hearing impairment as it is primarily known for helping people quit smoking by providing a controlled dose of nicotine to reduce withdrawal symptoms, unlike other treatments for hearing issues which may focus on hearing aids or surgical interventions. This approach is novel because it explores the potential effects of nicotine on hearing, which is not a standard treatment for hearing impairment.678910
Who Is on the Research Team?
Fan-Gang Zeng, PhD
Principal Investigator
University of California, Irvine
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for non-smoking adults aged 18-85 with mild hearing issues and normal cognitive function. It's not for those who are deaf, have severe hearing loss, take regular prescription meds (except birth control), have a history of drug dependency or certain health conditions like heart disease or diabetes.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive nicotine or placebo gum in a double-blind, cross-over design across two sessions
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Nicotine gum
- Placebo gum
Nicotine gum is already approved in United States, European Union, Canada for the following indications:
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of California, Irvine
Lead Sponsor
National Institute on Aging (NIA)
Collaborator