Stem Cell Therapy for Sensorineural Hearing Loss, Still Alive?.

Author: Yong Ho PARK ¹
Author Information

1. Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Brain Research Institute, College of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, Korea. parkyh@cnu.ac.kr
Publication Type:Review
Keywords: Cochlea; Stem cell; Hair cell
MeSH: Aging; Cochlea; Hair Cells, Auditory; Hearing Loss; Hearing Loss, Noise-Induced; Hearing Loss, Sensorineural*; Mammals; Stem Cells*
From:Journal of Audiology & Otology 2015;19(2):63-67
CountryRepublic of Korea
Language:English
Abstract: In mammals, the auditory system, which includes the cochlea, has a very complex structure harboring many types of cells performing different functions. Among these cells are the auditory hair cells (HCs), which are terminally and well differentiated unique cells which have lost their regenerative potential after development. The auditory HCs are easily damaged by aging as well as during episodes of ototoxicity and acoustic trauma. HCs damages typically occur in the early stage of injury and can result a permanent hearing loss. Recently, there have been tremendous developments from stem cells (SCs) research involving sensorineural hearing loss, but several limitations and obstacles persist in allowing these developments from continuing onto clinical applications. This review discusses the recent advances in SC research in sensorineural hearing loss with the subsequent sections discussing the possible hurdles and limitations that currently preclude their clinical application.