Genetic Effects on Sensorineural Hearing Loss and Evidence-based Treatment for Sensorineural Hearing Loss

Publication date: September 2015 Source:Chinese Medical Sciences Journal, Volume 30, Issue 3 Author(s): Yong-qiang Yu, Huai-an Yang, Ming Xiao, Jing-wei Wang, Dong-yan Huang, Yagesh Bhambhani, Lyn Sonnenberg, Brenda Clark, Yuan-zhe Jin, Wei-neng Fu, Jie Zhang, Qian Yu, Xue-ting Liang, Ming Zhang In this article, the mechanism of inheritance behind inherited hearing loss and genetic susceptibility in noise-induced hearing loss are reviewed. Conventional treatments for sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL), i.e. hearing aid and cochlear implant, are effective for some cases, but not without limitations. For example, they provide little benefit for patients of profound SNHL or neural hearing loss, especially when the hearing loss is in poor dynamic range and with low frequency resolution. We emphasize the most recent evidence-based treatment in this field, which includes gene therapy and allotransplantation of stem cells. Their promising results have shown that they might be options of treatment for profound SNHL and neural hearing loss. Although some treatments are still at the experimental stage, it is helpful to be aware of the novel therapies and endeavour to explore the feasibility of their clinical application.
Source: Chinese Medical Sciences Journal - Category: Journals (General) Source Type: research