Clinical Research Directory

Non-Invasive System to Deliver Therapeutic Hypothermia for Protection Against Noise-Induced Hearing Loss

The goal of this interventional clinical study is to investigate the use of mild therapeutic hypothermia devices for preservation of sensory structures in the cochlea after noise exposure. The main aims of the study are: 1. To test the safety and best duration for use for a new hypothermia device. 2. To determine if the hypothermia device helps decrease noise-induced hearing loss in a group of firefighters. Participants will wear the mild therapeutic hypothermia therapy devices immediately after a fire service shift serially over a year. Researchers will compare results from those receiving the therapy to those from a control group (individuals receiving no therapy and a sham therapy).

Noise, Oxidative Stress and Cardiovascular System

Environmental noise represents a health problem for at least one in five citizens of the European Union. Noise exposure leads to the development of arterial hypertension, myocardial infarction, stroke, and obesity. Given the limited information on noise exposure and noise effects on humans in the Republic of Serbia, the overall objective of NOXYCARD is to collect environmental noise levels data; to identify long-term and short-term noise effects on the cardiovascular system; and to evaluate the levels of blood stress hormones, oxidative stress, and inflammation in individuals with normal body weight and individuals with obesity.