Hearing loss can affect a large demographic of people due to the many causes. Natural aging, infection, trauma, and loud noises can all cause damage to the delicate hair cells within the ear. For years, damage to these cells meant inevitable hearing loss with no possibility of restoration. With the latest discovery, scientists are hoping to make hearing restoration a possibility in the future.
The latest research to emerge from A. James Hudspeth’s Laboratory of Sensory Neuroscience at Rockefeller University has scientists studying these hair cells at the genetic level. Shortly after birth, humans are unable to generate these important sensors, leaving them to live their lives with relatively the same number of cells they were born with.
Mice possess this same trait, therefore scientists are studying the two genes they have identified to be responsible for the cell’s production. The researchers discovered that shortly after birth activity for two specific genes dropped dramatically, at which point hair cell production also dropped.
By reactivating these genes in older mice, the researchers were able to induce the production of hair cells, even in fully matured organs. Activating the proteins meant the mice were able to develop new hair cells, restoring their hearing.
Additional studies are needed but researchers are hoping this groundbreaking discovery could result in restored hearing for many individuals suffering from hearing loss.
For Dr. Cassandra Fynes and audiologists around the world, patients suffering from hearing loss in Scottsdale, may one day be able to hear to their full potential again. Many of her patients, both young and old, suffer from sensorineural hearing loss in Scottsdale.
With the latest personal technological devices and personal hearing devices, more and more individuals are suffering from noise-induced hearing loss. When music, television, or other sounds are enjoyed at too high of volume, the result is destruction to the hair cells inside the ear. Similarly, prebycusis, the term for hearing loss caused by aging, affects around 30 percent of people over the age of 65, resulting in even more patients with hearing loss.
Until further research can be completed, hearing aids can be used to improve function of the ear. Patients can also protect themselves from further hearing loss with the use of custom earbuds and earplugs designed for specific uses.
If you or someone you know is suffering from hearing loss in Scottsdale, contact the office of Dr. Cassandra Fynes online or by calling (480) 456-0176 today. Her friendly staff can schedule your hearing evaluation to help you with hearing loss needs.