Deaf Teenager and 24-Year-Old Gain Ability to Hear After Experimental Gene Therapy
Deaf Teenager and 24-Year-Old Gain Ability to Hear After Experimental Gene Therapy
Gene therapy has been effective for young children with genetic hearing loss, but this is the first study to show promising results in older patients.
The science paper:
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-025-03773-w
Otoferlin was already working for children
Six months later, all 10 showed considerable hearing improvement, with the average volume of perceptible sound improving from 106 decibels (very loud) to 52 (much fainter).
They're understating that a bit; that's an increase in sensitivity of over five orders of magnitude. 106 decibels is about as loud as a chainsaw; 52 is on par with a normal conversation.
I thought the implants were magic, but this seems even more so. Glad to hear this technique is making progress.
So am I, plan on improving it.