Restoring hearing with gene therapy

A new study shows that gene therapy could be the key to treating age- and trauma-related hearing loss. Emory University researchers have shown that introducing a gene called Atoh1 into the cochleae of young mice can induce the formation of extra sensory hair cells. These hair cells produce electrical signals in response to vibrations within the inner ear and connect with neurons like normal sensory hair cells. However, age may be a limitation of this treatment. After the mice are two weeks...