Breathe Easy: Promising Results in Gene Therapy for Deafness

Trials for gene therapies for deafness have shown promising results, with one child at Cambridge University Hospitals showing positive results just six weeks after surgery. The Chord trial, which has shown almost normal hearing restoration, has been particularly successful in terms of hearing soft sounds. While it is unknown whether the participants can understand speech in the same way as normal, they have been able to respond to soft sounds effectively.

Results from the Opal trial have shown that with the right support, deafness should never be a barrier to happiness or fulfillment. Martin McLean, a senior policy adviser at the National Deaf Children’s Society, emphasized this sentiment. Mrs. Sandy shared that her daughters Opal and Nora enjoy making noise and playing together. Opal has started to talk and enjoys playing musical instruments, while Nora likes reading to her and dancing with her in the kitchen.

The Chord trial was presented at the American Society of Gene and Cell Therapy conference in Baltimore, suggesting that gene therapy could potentially revolutionize the treatment of deafness caused by genetic mutations. With ongoing research and advancements in gene therapy, there is hope for a future where deafness can be effectively treated and cured.