Glutathione is the master detoxifier but hard to take directly so NAC is used as a precursor. Studies have found that when glutathione status is adequate before hand or immediately after, a loud sound exposure is less likely to cause TTS hearing loss and possibly related tinnitus. There are some here that believe that this may also help with existing damage or T but I have not seen such studies.
Tinnitus Talk Support Forum
Because they are desperate. Supplements do not work.
@obnoxious yeah, I think I'm figuring that out.
Supplements can work if you are deficient in something related to T like B12 or related to pain like Vit D. If your glutathione status (or any of its cofactors like glycene) is poor then NAC can protect you from future permanent hearing loss. For everyone else, most are wasting their money and may even make things worse. They would be better served to focus on other things.
@GeorgeLG I am deficient in vit. D so I'm supplementing. I live in sunny CA so I don't understand why. Maybe related to Accutane. I also have the MTHFR gene so it may be harder for me to detox. My left ear hurts but I don't have H. I am low in Ferritin that can cause T, but I'm pretty sure it's ototoxicity from Accutane. I do believe I have slight hearing loss but barely noticeable. I did a test but perfect hearing.
I am also low on D which is common for cancer patients. I tried disciplined exposure to the sun but no dice, only supplements work for me. I'm finally heading towards the middle of the range