In Cambridge, a recent gene therapy trial for deafness has shown promising results, with one child achieving near-normal hearing restoration. The child can now hear soft sounds almost normally for her age, though it is uncertain whether she can fully understand speech yet. Another child who received the same treatment has also shown positive results six weeks after surgery.
These results are significant as they provide valuable information on the effectiveness of gene therapy for cases where deafness has a specific genetic cause. According to Professor Bance, there are around 20,000 people in the US, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, and the UK who have auditory neuropathy due to OTOF mutations. With the right support, deafness should never be a barrier to happiness or fulfillment.
Opal and her sister Nora enjoy making noise and playing together. Opal has started talking in the last six weeks and both sisters like to see who can make the most noise. Opal enjoys playing with her musical instrument set while Nora likes reading to her and dancing with her in the kitchen. Despite their differences, the sisters enjoy spending time together.
In addition to the Opal trial, other gene therapies for deafness are being trialled in China and the US. The National Deaf Children’s Society believes that this trial will provide valuable information on the effectiveness of gene therapy for cases where deafness has a specific genetic cause. The potential for gene therapy to cure deafness caused by genetic mutations is an exciting development in the field of hearing restoration.
Overall, these trials offer hope for those affected by hearing loss due to genetic causes and demonstrate that with continued research and development in gene therapy, we may be able to find cures or treatments that improve quality of life for those who are deaf or hard of hearing.