In the non-sensory supporting cells of the inner ear, key genes required for conversion to sensory cells are shut off through a process known as epigenetic silencing. By studying how the genes are shut off, we begin to understand how we might turn them back on to regenerate hearing.
A Boost to Inner Ear Organoid Development
This paper explored the potential of the stem cell-derived inner ear organoid system for studying early mammalian placode development. The results will benefit future inner ear organoid applications, such as high-throughput drug screening and cell therapy.
Balance Problems? Loud Sounds Could Be a Cause
Have you ever felt dizzy, nauseous, or unsteady on your feet after leaving a loud concert? That could be the balance organ inside your inner ear reacting to the loud sounds.
The Link Between Diabetes and Hearing
When a family member received a diagnosis of diabetes more than seven years ago, as an audiologist I tried to find information related to hearing problems associated with diabetes. I realized few people knew about the research connecting hearing loss and balance issues to this chronic disease.
Common Loud Noises Cause Fluid Buildup in the Inner Ear—Which May Be Easily Resolved
Researchers discovered that after exposure to 100 decibels, the mice developed inner ear fluid buildup within hours. A week after this exposure, the mice were found to have lost auditory nerve cells. However, when researchers applied hypertonic saline, a salt-based solution used to treat nasal congestion in humans, into the affected mouse ears one hour after the noise exposure, both the immediate fluid buildup and the long-term nerve damage lessened, implying that the hearing loss could be at least partially prevented.
The Latent Regenerative Potential of the Inner Ear
Scientists from the laboratory of Neil Segil, Ph.D., have identified a natural barrier to the regeneration of the inner ear’s sensory cells, which are lost in hearing and balance disorders. Overcoming this barrier may be a first step in returning inner ear cells to a newborn-like state that’s primed for regeneration
Webinar Recap: The Present and Future of Inner Ear Hair Cell Regeneration
On July 12, Hearing Health Foundation (HHF) hosted “The Present and Future of Inner Ear Hair Cell Regeneration” on Zoom. This webinar was co-presented by 2009-2010 ERG scientist Ronna Hertzano, M.D., Ph.D. of the Hearing Restoration Project, and the consortium’s scientific director, Lisa Goodrich, Ph.D.
Register for Hearing Health Hour Webinar: The Present and Future of Inner Ear Hair Cell Regeneration
Goodrich and Hertzano will provide a broad overview of the techniques and tools central to the effort—including those developed by HRP scientists—and some of the challenges facing researchers in this endeavor.
UM School of Medicine Researchers Identify Role of Crucial Protein in Development of New Hair Cells Needed for Hearing
Researchers at the University of Maryland School of Medicine (UMSOM) have conducted a study that has determined the role that a critical protein plays in the development of hair cells. These hair cells are vital for hearing. Some of these cells amplify sounds that come into the ear, and others transform sound waves into electrical signals that travel to the brain.
Operation Regrow Begins June 16
During COVID-19, we have witnessed unprecedented challenges to people with hearing loss, Social distancing and face coverings have exacerbated feelings of isolation and impeded communication with friends, family, colleagues, and medical practitioners. We hope you’ll keep these unprecedented challenges in mind when you make a gift to HHF’s research through Operation Regrow.