The gene therapy involved using a synthetic adeno-associated virus (AAV) to deliver a functional version of the OTOF gene to the inner ear via a single injection through a membrane at the base of the cochlea called the round window.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The effect of the gene therapy was rapid and the majority of the patients recovered some hearing after just one month. A six-month follow-up showed considerable hearing improvement in all participants, the average volume of perceptible sound improving from 106 decibels to 52.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The younger patients, especially those between the ages of five and eight, responded best to the treatment. One of the participants, a seven-year-old girl, quickly recovered almost all her hearing and was able to hold daily conversations with her mother four months afterwards. However, the therapy also proved effective in adults.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Read it all<\/a>.<\/p> Deafness reversed: Single injection brings hearing back within weeks
A cutting-edge gene therapy has significantly restored hearing in children and adults with congenital deafness, showing dramatic results just one month after a single injection.
Researchers used a virus to\u2026 pic.twitter.com\/O8hrV1nflx<\/a><\/p>— Professor Erwin Loh (@erwinloh) July 5, 2025<\/a><\/blockquote>