The current invention provides methods and compositions for treating sensorineural hearing loss including but not limited to acute acoustic trauma (AAT). The composition includes compounds which function as free radical traps such as phenyl butyl nitrone (PBN), free radical scavengers, such as edaravone, resveratrol, ebselen and iron chelator and compounds from the family of antioxidant compounds including, but not limited to, N-acetylcysteine (NAC), Acetyl-L-Carnitine (ALCAR), glutathione monoethylester, ebselen, D-methionine and carbamathione. The compositions of the current invention may be delivered by injections or orally.