Scientists have discovered a technique to restore hearing through gene therapy
A group of scientists from the Karolinska Institute in Sweden have discovered a technique to restore hearing within a few weeks through gene therapy. Scientists claim that a single dose of gene therapy can improve people's poor hearing within a few weeks. Children and adults with congenital deafness or poor hearing have seen improvements in their hearing thanks to this innovative therapy. A seven-year-old child in a clinical trial has nearly full hearing again. A study on this subject was published in the journal Nature Medicine.
According to scientists, a mutation in the OTOF gene causes a deficiency in the protein otoferlin. Then, many people become deaf because sound signals are not sent from the ear to the brain properly. Ten participants in the study experienced a rapid improvement in their hearing after receiving an injection of a copy of the gene OTOF. Children have responded best to this therapy thus far.
According to scientists, ten individuals with hearing loss saw an improvement in their hearing from an average of 106 decibels to 52 decibels after six months of treatment. Children aged five to eight gave the best answers in the study. The hearing of a seven-year-old girl was promptly restored.
Regarding the new discovery, Karolinska Institute scientist Mauli Duan said, "This is the first time this method has been tested in adolescents and adults. Many participants have significantly improved their hearing. The treatment is safe and tolerable. No adverse reactions have been reported. Othar common genes that cause deafness, like GJB2 and TMC1, are currently being studied. Treating these is very difficult. We believe.We look forward to the day when people with different types of genetic deafness can get treatment.
