Could deafness be reversed?

 Scientists re-grow damaged hair cells that have been killed off by age or noise inside the ear

 Deafness could be reversed, research suggests.

Scientists have discovered how to regrow cells in the ear that are critical for hearing.

Viruses, genetics and even existing drugs could trigger little hairs to regrow in the inner ear, according to a study by the University of Rochester.

These hairs are the first step in picking up on noises and are not naturally replaced when killed off by age or overexposure to loud noise.

Humans do not regenerate hair cells in the inner ear once they are lost, which leads to permanent hearing damage, according to Daily Mail.

 These hair cells move in response to vibrations, which causes nerve impulses to be sent to the brain where they are interpreted as sounds.

In other animals, however, such as birds, frogs and fish, surrounding cells in the inner ear, known as the cochlear, can change into hair cells. 

Although unclear exactly how this occurs, it is thought to be driven by protein signalling. 

‘It’s funny, but mammals are the oddballs in the animal kingdom when it comes to cochlear regeneration,’ study author Dr Jingyuan Zhang said

The researchers analysed the effects of one of these proteins, known as ERBB2, in the hair cells of newborn mice. 

Previous studies suggest ERBB2 is involved in the production of new hair cells.

Results of the new trial confirmed surrounding cells that expressed ERBB2 were more likely to become hair cells.

The scientists then tested the effects of viruses that trigger ERBB2 production.

They also genetically modified the mice to over-express ERBB2 and gave them drugs that are known to activate the protein. 

These drugs are already used to stimulate cell regeneration in the eyes and pancreas.

All these methods led to greater hair cell production. 

‘The process of repairing hearing is a complex problem and requires a series of cellular events,’ lead author Professor Patricia White said.

‘You have to regenerate sensory hair cells and these cells have to function properly and connect with the necessary network of neurons.

‘This research demonstrates a signaling pathway that can be activated by different methods and could represent a new approach to cochlear regeneration and, ultimately, restoration of hearing.’ 

It is a normal part of getting older but can also be triggered by viral infections, diabetes, ear injuries and overexposure to loud noise.

This comes after research released earlier this year suggested children who were exposed to smoke in the womb and as babies are more than twice as likely to be deaf. 

Nicotine interferes with chemical messengers in the nerve that tells the brain what sound it is hearing. Smoking may also irritate the lining of the middle ear.

N.H.Kh