Gene therapy reverses genetic deafness in weeks

A new gene therapy injection has shown the potential to reverse hearing loss in weeks, according to a recent study. The treatment significantly improved hearing in both children and adults. The clinical trial, published in Nature Medicine, involved injecting a healthy copy of the OTOF gene into the inner ear of ten participants with genetic deafness. All participants experienced improved hearing, with a seven-year-old regaining almost full hearing. Researchers noted the therapy was safe and well-tolerated, and are now working on treatments for other genetic causes of deafness. The study's authors believe this is a significant step forward in treating various forms of hearing loss.