TNF and hearing loss disorder: Elevated levels of inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor may contribute to microvascular changes.28 In a population-based cohort study, older individuals with higher levels of C-reactive protein were twice as likely as those with lower levels to develop hearing loss.29 Aspirin has been reported to inhibit inflammatory mediators and promote the synthesis of anti-inflammatory compounds, providing another rationale to investigate a protective effect on hearing.30,31