Rapamycin But Not Acarbose Decreases Age-Related Loss of Outer Hair Cells in the Mouse Cochlea

The study concluded that rapamycin significantly decreased age-related loss of outer hair cells in the basal region of the mouse cochlea, while acarbose did not have this effect. This suggested that rapamycin could potentially be used to mitigate age-related hearing loss by preserving these cells. The findings emphasized the specific efficacy of rapamycin in delaying cochlear hair cell loss, contrasting with the ineffectiveness of acarbose, and highlighted the need for further research to understand the underlying mechanisms and broader auditory effects.