Nicotine gum tested as hearing aid for aging ears

NCT ID NCT04971954

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study is testing whether a single dose of nicotine gum can reverse age-related hearing problems. Researchers will give 48 healthy non-smokers aged 18-85 either nicotine gum or a placebo and measure their hearing and brain responses. The goal is to see if nicotine can improve how the brain processes sound, which might lead to better treatments for hearing loss.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

nicotine gum

What this could lead to

If it works, this could point toward a new way to improve hearing in older adults.

What could go wrong

This is a very small, early-stage study with only 48 people. Nicotine is addictive and can have side effects like increased heart rate. The results may not apply to everyone.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

auditory perceptual disorders Auditory perceptual impairment

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • Hearing and Speech Lab

    RECRUITING

    Irvine, California, 92697, United States

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••