Hearing loss treatment through stem cell therapy

Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) is one of the most prevalent sensory deficits in humans, and approximately 360 million people worldwide are affected. The current treatment option for severe to profound hearing loss is cochlear implantation (CI), but its treatment efficacy is related to the survival of spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs). SGNs are the primary sensory neurons, transmitting complex acoustic information from hair cells to second-order sensory neurons in the cochlear nucleus. In mammals, SGNs have very limited regeneration ability, and SGN loss causes irreversible hearing loss. In most cases of SNHL, SGN damage is the dominant pathogenesis, and it could be caused by noise exposure, ototoxic drugs, hereditary defects, presbycusis, etc. Tremendous efforts have been made to identify novel treatments to prevent or reverse the damage to SGNs, including gene therapy and stem cell therapy. This review summarizes the major causes and the corresponding mechanisms of SGN loss and the current protection strategies, especially gene therapy and stem cell therapy, to promote the development of new therapeutic methods.

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Stem Cell Therapy for Sensorineural Hearing Loss, Still Alive?

Journal of Audiology & Otology ◽

10.7874/jao.2015.19.2.63 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 19 (2) ◽

pp. 63-67 ◽

Cited By ~ 10

Author(s):

Yong-Ho Park

Keyword(s):

Hearing Loss ◽

Stem Cell ◽

Cell Therapy ◽

Sensorineural Hearing Loss ◽

Stem Cell Therapy ◽

Sensorineural Hearing

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Advancements in Stem Cell Technology and Organoids for the Restoration of Sensorineural Hearing Loss

Journal of the American Academy of Audiology ◽

10.1055/s-0041-1728677 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Jenna E. Bergman ◽

Camron Davies ◽

Alexa J. Denton ◽

Peter E. Ashman ◽

Rahul Mittal ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Stem Cells ◽

Hearing Loss ◽

Stem Cell ◽

Cell Therapy ◽

Sensorineural Hearing Loss ◽

Inner Ear ◽

Stem Cell Therapy ◽

Sensory Cells ◽

Regenerative Therapy ◽

Promising Technique

Abstract Background Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) is a significant cause of morbidity worldwide and currently has no curative treatment. Technological advancements in stem cell therapy have led to numerous studies that examine the generation of otic sensory cells from progenitors to restore inner ear function. Recently, organoids have emerged as a promising technique to further advance the process of creating functional replacement cells after irreversible hearing loss. Organoids are the three-dimensional generation of stem cells in culture to model the tissue organization and cellular components of the inner ear. Organoids have emerged as a promising technique to create functioning cochlear structures in vitro and may provide crucial information for the utilization of stem cells to restore SNHL. Purpose The purpose of this review is to discuss the recent advancements in stem cell-based regenerative therapy for SNHL. Results Recent studies have improved our understanding about the developmental pathways involved in the generation of hair cells and spiral ganglion neurons. However, significant challenges remain in elucidating the molecular interactions and interplay required for stem cells to differentiate and function as otic sensory cells. A few of the challenges encountered with traditional stem cell therapy may be addressed with organoids. Conclusion Stem cell-based regenerative therapy holds a great potential for developing novel treatment modalities for SNHL. Further advancements are needed in addressing the challenges associated with stem cell-based regenerative therapy and promote their translation from bench to bedside.

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Emerging Therapies and Approaches to Treat and Prevent Hearing Loss

Perspectives of the ASHA Special Interest Groups ◽

10.1044/2020_persp-20-00072 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 5 (5) ◽

pp. 1147-1165

Author(s):

Alaa Koleilat ◽

Colin L. W. Driscoll ◽

Lisa A. Schimmenti ◽

Gayla L. Poling

Keyword(s):

Gene Therapy ◽

Hearing Loss ◽

Stem Cell ◽

Cell Therapy ◽

Stem Cell Therapy ◽

Psychosocial Development ◽

New Therapies ◽

Recent Developments ◽

Negative Impacts ◽

New Treatments

Purpose More than 460 million people are impacted by disabling hearing loss worldwide. Hearing loss has negative impacts across the life span and varies by individual. Specifically, in children, hearing loss has been shown to affect learning outcomes, behavioral and cognitive growth, and psychosocial development. In adults, hearing loss has been shown to affect quality of life, social isolation, depression, and anxiety. The purpose of this review is to advance the understanding of the latest research in the development of new treatments of hearing loss, including gene therapy, stem cell therapy, and pharmacotherapies. We address the use of animals to model human hearing loss and the importance of animals in previous discoveries and developing new therapies. We highlight the importance of early identification for better speech and developmental outcomes specifically in pediatric individuals. Lastly, we review new possibilities in the prevention of hearing loss and the path to translation into practice. Conclusions Research and development of new therapies to treat hearing loss is an ever growing field with many notable successes. However, clinical translation still poses many challenges. Many discoveries related to gene therapy, stem cell therapy, and pharmacotherapy are in the early phases of clinical trials and hold promise. This review empowers audiologists to be aware of these most recent developments and be conscious of the evolving future landscape of treatment and management of hearing loss.

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