Ferulic acid-mediated protection against neomycin-induced hair cell loss in transgenic zebrafish

•FA is found in various fruits and vegetables, including citrus fruits, cabbage, and broccoli.•FA decreased neomycin-induced hair cell loss in dose-dependent and time-dependent manners.•FA has antioxidant effects and can prevent neomycin-induced apoptotic cell death in the hair cells.•Transgenic zebrafish may provide a useful model for preliminary ototoxic and otoprotective drug screenings.