New Stem Cell Research Could Lead to Cure for Hereditary Deafness
Researchers in Japan are excited and optimistic about new stem cell research that may be the key to curing certain types of hereditary deafness. Lead researcher, Kazusaku Kamiya says of the novel findings, “I am very excited by what we have done. We hope this work will lead to a cure for … deafness”. Currently, there is no cure to deafness or most types of hearing loss. These new findings could positively affect the hearing health of hundreds of thousands of people with this type of hereditary deafness.
What is hereditary deafness?
Hereditary hearing loss or deafness is a hearing impairment that is passed down from parents to children through mutated genes. These genes can be passed down from one or both parents, who may or may not suffer from any degree of hearing loss or deafness themselves.
There are currently more than 200 documented forms of hereditary hearing impairment, according to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) (medhelp.org). Hereditary deafness can be conductive, sensorineural or mixed. Conductive hearing loss is the result of some type of malformation of mechanical parts of the inner or outer ear. Sensorineural hearing impairment is caused by genetic mutations the cochlea or the nerves that convert sound waves into electrical signals and carry these signals to the brain. Mixed hearing loss is a combination of the two aforementioned types of hearing impairment (ncbi.nlm.nih.gov). Even age related hearing loss has some genetic ties. It is estimated that this type of hearing loss is actually about 35-55% genetic.
Currently, there is no distinct cure for hereditary deafness or hearing loss. These types of hearing loss and deafness are currently managed with surgery, hearing aids, medication, and/or cochlear implants.
What about this new research?
Researchers and scientists based at Juntendo University in Tokyo, Japan, have figured out a way to grow new stem cells for the cochlea – or spiral cavity in the inner ear. These stem cells imitate the healthy hair cells humans need in order to correctly process sounds. Most people are born with about 11,000 of these healthy hair cells – however those born with mutated genes have much fewer healthy cells – which greatly affects their ability to properly hear or process sound waves into meaningful signals.
Now that they can be successfully grown, these researchers are hoping these new healthy stem cells will be able to replace faulty or defective genes in those who suffer from deafness due to a mutation in a gene called Gap Junction Beta 2. Gap Junction Beta 2 is an important gene found in the inner ear that directly affects one’s ability to process sounds.
Growing the new healthy stem cells is only step one in this process. Lead researcher Dr. Kamiya states the following, “We have found a way to make cochlear stem cells. The next step is to find a way to safely inject them into the patient’s ear.” Although the second step of this process has not happened as of yet, these scientists are hopeful that using these stem cells to cure deafness will be a reality for patients in the next 5 to 10 years. Read more about this exciting study by clicking here.
What can we do while we wait?
This type of stem cell therapy is not the only type of exciting new research in the hearing industry. Biotech startups are even beginning to find research that supports the possibility of a pill that can cure hearing loss. While this research is very exciting, it is not a reality yet. Currently, the best and most effective way to treat hearing loss is through the use of hearing aids.
Today’s hearing aids are extremely discreet, and packed with power – from GPS guided automatic settings, to Bluetooth technology and even special features for musicians or those who lead an active lifestyle. Reach out to us at Desert Valley Audiology to schedule your first hearing exam with our skilled audiologists. The process is quick and painless, and may be the best thing you do for yourself this holiday season.
On average, people wait about 7-10 years from the time they notice changes in their hearing to the time they seek help for their hearing loss. Don’t waste any more precious time struggling to hear. Reach out to us today.
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