Breakthrough in Gene Therapy for Deafness: One Child Regains Near-Normal Hearing Restoration

In Cambridge, a gene therapy trial for deafness has shown promising results, with one child regaining near-normal hearing restoration. This child can now hear soft sounds almost normally for her age, though it is unclear whether she can fully understand speech yet. Another child has also received the treatment with positive results seen six weeks after surgery. These results have sparked excitement in the field of hearing restoration, as other gene therapies for deafness are being trialled in China and the US.

Professor Bance estimates that there are around 20,000 people in the US, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, and the UK who have auditory neuropathy due to OTOF mutations. The National Deaf Children’s Society believes that this trial will provide valuable information on the effectiveness of gene therapy for cases where deafness has a specific genetic cause. With the right support, deafness should never be a barrier to happiness or fulfillment.

Opal and her sister Nora are two sisters who love making noise and playing together. Opal has recently started talking and both sisters enjoy seeing who can make the most noise. Opal enjoys playing with her musical instrument set while Nora likes reading to her and dancing with her in the kitchen. Despite their differences, they enjoy spending time together.

The results from the Chord trial were presented at the American Society of Gene and Cell Therapy conference in Baltimore, showing promising outcomes for those with auditory neuropathy. The potential for gene therapy to cure deafness caused by genetic mutations is an exciting development in the field of hearing restoration. With further research and advancements in technology, we may see even more promising results in the future.