Expert: Dr. Leo Nollet - 4/29/2009

Question
Is this really effective for reversing hearing loss in the elderly? Is it safe for a 90 yr old to use?

Answer
Dear Ann,
In a recent study, researchers took people with age-related hearing loss and tested their hearing at various frequencies. They then gave patients 600 mg a day of vitamin C and 300 mg of the ulcer drug rebamipide. Result: in just 8 weeks, every single patient was able to hear better in the frequencies between 125 and 800 Hz. These frequencies are well within the range of human voice. The drug rebamipide is chemically similar to antioxidant compounds called quinolones. In fact, the reason it works against ulcers is that it protects the stomach from free radicals that are produced by the H pylori infection, which causes ulcers.

At this point, rebamipide is not available at pharmacies in the U.S. However, one can buy it legally from mail order sources, as long as you get a prescription from a qualified doctor. (Source: "Second Opinion" Magazine, Winter 2008 Special Issue)

I didn't find information on safety and elder people.