Issue 32.12
On occasion I have patients who ask me regarding research being done to regenerate hearing nerves resulting in hearing loss. According to a recent preclinical study published by Cell Press in the journal Neuron, a new gene therapy has been devised that reverses hearing loss caused by a genetic defect in a mouse model of congenital deafness. The findings present a promising treatment for potentially treating individuals who are born deaf.
“This is the first time that an inherited, genetic hearing loss has been successfully treated in laboratory mice, and as such represents an important milestone for treating genetic deafness in humans,” says senior study author Lawrence Lustig of the University of California, San Francisco. Hearing loss is one of the most common human sensory deficits, and it results from damage to hair cells in the inner ear. About half of the cases of congenital hearing loss are caused by genetic defects. Correcting the underlying genetic defects has the potential to fully restore hearing in millions of people.
Previous attempts to reverse hearing loss caused by genetic mutations have not been successful. “For years, scientists have been hinting at the possibility of gene therapy as a potential cure for deafness,” Lustig says. “In this study, we now provide a very real and big step towards that goal.”
Until this new breakthrough becomes widely available, digital high fidelity hearing instruments are the preferred option to help correct all forms of hearing loss.
For a risk free trial of digital high fidelity hearing instruments, make an appointment with Dr. Lance Greer at Advanced Hearing & Balance Specialists for your FREE consultation. St. George: 435-688-8866, Cedar City: 435-867-0714, Mesquite: 702-346-4622. www.HearingAidDoctor.com
Dr. Lance F. Greer, Au.D., FAAA, grew up in Heber, Arizona and has been in the St. George area for the past 14 years and is a co-owner of Advanced Hearing & Balance Specialists. His wife’s name is Shannon and they are the parents of 5 children. They enjoy traveling and spending time with their team of swimming children. He has been a member of the Dixie Sunrise Rotary Club and enjoys serving others in the community. In 1998, Dr. Greer developed the newborn hearing screening program at DRMC and currently serves as the Director of this program. He graduated with his Masters of Science in Audiology in 1997 from Brigham Young University and was conferred his Doctor of Audiology degree from the PCO School of Audiology in December 2003. Dr. Greer specializes in:
Hearing Aid Sales, Service and Counseling Specialist
Earmold and Hearing Protection Specialist
Diagnostic Medical Hearing Assessments for Adults and Children
Diagnostic Balance and Dizziness Assessment of Adults
Vestibular Rehabilitation Specialist
Industrial Hearing Conservation Specialist