Good news: scientists have developed an injection that restores hearing

A group of scientists at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, head of the biotech firm Frequency Therapeutics, informedthat has developed a new type of regenerative therapy that can restore hearing. And it does not require the use of hearing aids or cochlear implants.

Hearing loss is most often caused by the death of hair cells - receptors of the auditory system and the vestibular apparatus. This can happen gradually or when exposed to excessive noise. They usually don't grow back, but if the ear is allowed to regenerate them, it can restore at least some hearing.

A special molecular drug, Frequency Therapeutics, injected into the cochlea of ​​the inner ear, does just that—it causes stem cells to regenerate these receptors.

During the experiments, the team of scientists managed to improve the ability of test participants to perceive speech. This is the main need of patients with hearing loss, so the first goals are successfully achieved.

According to the authors of the study, some of these improvements last for two years after just one injection. And this approach is noticeably simpler than conventional gene therapy based on the patient's own reprogrammed cells.

Now scientists are preparing a new stage of testing involving almost 130 people. They will also tell you about the results.