Scientists at King’s College London reversed hearing loss in mice by activating the Spns2 gene, which was “turned off” by a mutation. The research was published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
The researchers conducted an experiment on mice with the inactive Spns2 gene, a mutation that causes their deafness. Animals of different ages were then injected with a special enzyme to activate the gene, after which their hearing improved. Treatment was most effective at a young age.
“Degenerative diseases, including progressive hearing loss, are often considered irreversible, but we have shown that at least one type of inner ear dysfunction can be reversed. We used the genetic method to show that this is possible. But positive results do not suggest that gene therapy or those with similar types of deafness “It could lead to the development of drugs to help people regain their hearing,” he said.
More than half of adults over the age of 70 experience significant hearing loss, which can increase the risk of depression and dementia. Although hearing aids and cochlear implants can help, they do not restore normal hearing or stop the progression of ear disease.
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