Magnesium is a critical cation, playing an essential role in the intracellular metabolism. It regulates extracellular permeability and neuromuscular energy production and consumption, is involved as a cofactor in enzyme processes requiring energy, in the construction of proteins and in aerobic phosphorylation. There is a close functional relationship between the Mg concentration and the Ca metabolism (1).It is well known, that hearing processes demand energy and are heavily dependent upon the metabolism of the Ca and Mg. Thus, any condition that increases the energy consumption or reduces the energy supply, increases the risk that the function of the hair cells may be impaired. Without doubt noise exposure demands a high energy consumption from the hair cells. If in addition a Mg deficient state exists, the potential for NIHL is further increased. The association between Mg levels and NIHL was tested in animal experiments (2,3)In these studies correlations were observed between Mg plasma and perilymph levels and the severity of NIHL. The first indication that Mg may play a role in NIHL susceptibility in human was reported by Joachims et al (1987) (4).
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