A new gene therapy has pointed to the possibility of curing or reversing hearing loss. As anyone with tinnitus can attest, the possibility of a cure is a substantial cause for celebration. Can a gene therapy for hearing loss intervene with and improve upon the symptoms of tinnitus? First, let’s take a closer look at what tinnitus is and how it might interact with hearing loss.
Tinnitus and Hearing Loss
Although not every single case of tinnitus is linked to hearing loss, research indicates that many instances of tinnitus are preceded by or accompanied by hearing loss. One study from Harvard actually determined that even in cases where hearing loss does not initially seem to be present, there may be a hidden case of hearing loss or interruptions to the auditory processing centers within the brain.
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Ultimately, what this means is that although not every individual case of tinnitus is intertwined with hearing loss, there is a significant portion of tinnitus cases impacted by hearing loss. For this reason, many professionals working with tinnitus are eager to learn more about hearing loss, and research in this area can significantly impact tinnitus. Research investigating the loss of hearing function and tinnitus are likely to intersect. Treatments for hearing loss also have the potential to improve tinnitus symptoms, but does the same hold true for genetic loss of hearing?
Genetic Medicine: Hearing Loss and Hearing Loss Reversal
Akouos is a genetic medicine company, and earlier this year, it announced that it had successfully restored hearing in its first test subject within 30 days of treatment. The subject in question was an 11 year old child who had been diagnosed with profound hearing loss for over a decade. Rather than the standard treatments offered for hearing loss, and interventions like hearing aids, Akouos treated a mutation of a specific gene called OTOF. This particular gene is only one of approximately 150 genes that are associated with childhood hearing loss. Let’s take a closer look at how OTOF mutations impact hearing and hearing loss.
OTOF Mutation and Hearing
What exactly is the OTOF gene mutation? This particular mutation affects approximately 200,000 people worldwide, and contains within it a high risk of deafness. The rare nature of this genetic mutation means that any studies addressing this exact condition cannot be broadly applied to hearing loss. Nevertheless, the study is an encouraging one, as it suggests that even hearing loss caused by genetic factors can be successfully treated and reversed.
Additionally, a study evaluating the OTOF mutation is encouraging for the future of hearing loss treatment because of the nature of OTOF; this mutation affects the inner ear and impacts sensory processing between the ear and the brain. Rather than an issue regarding illness or damage, the OTOF mutation negatively impacts protein production involved in hearing.
So, what does this mean?
Essentially, this means that individuals with the OTOF mutation have healthy, well-functioning components of the ear, but the sensory signals involved in actual sound being communicated between ear components and the brain are thwarted. The result is severe to profound deafness.
The Akouos Study
In the Akouos study, researchers built on 2022 Harvard Medical School research regarding hearing loss. In this study, researchers concluded that hearing loss may not always be preventable and treatable, but may instead be reversible. Although the study does not cover tinnitus and everything that it entails, the consistent links between hearing loss and tinnitus means that Harvard research and Akouos together can paint a bright picture for the future of tinnitus treatment and intervention.
Both the Harvard researchers and the Akouos study addressed OTOF mutations in the same way: by inserting copies of healthy, normal OTOF genes, encased in a viral vector, or a virus that does not cause disease. The virus then mimics the gene and produces absent proteins to successfully bridge the gap between the inner ear and the sensory connection to the brain. In both studies, the size of the gene required two applications to see changes in function.
The Akouos study addressed hearing loss in an 11-year-old child who had experienced hearing loss since birth. In just 30 days following treatment, the child in question experienced restored hearing across all frequencies. The Harvard study, conversely, targeted 6 patients, most of whom experienced significant improvements to hearing within 4-6 weeks. These improvements included the ability to turn off cochlear devices (present in 4 participants), recognize speech in a noisy room, and successfully speak on the telephone. Younger participants also began to demonstrate the ability to recognize speech and verbalize words.
While the Akouos study showed success in its single patient, 5/6 of the Harvard study participants saw significant improvements to inherited deafness. This intervention is the first genetic therapy that has successfully treated this type of hearing loss, making it a powerful step forward in hearing loss treatment and reversal.
Tinnitus and the OTOF Study: What It Means
Numerous cases of tinnitus are linked to hearing loss; current statistics suggest that 90% of tinnitus cases are directly linked to hearing loss. Studies like the Harvard study and Akouos trial are valuable for tinnitus research, because so many cases of the condition are linked to hearing loss. Increasing research has shown potential links to genetic factors and hearing loss, suggesting that gene therapy may be able to be used in a wide scope to address hearing loss.
The novel nature of the research means that there is still much to be learned regarding gene therapy, hearing loss, and tinnitus, but the study is promising. Any advancements in hearing loss can be valuable for addressing tinnitus, making it important to keep an eye on these advancements and how they may positively impact tinnitus treatment.
Tinnitus and Current Interventions
While the OTOS research is promising for tinnitus patients, tinnitus treatment does not have to be put on hold until the latest research has come out and proven that a cure is on its way. Although our audiological team is happy to delve into new research and new tools, there is clear evidence that already exists to support tinnitus treatments like Tinnitus Retraining Therapy, or TRT. The Treble Health audiological team knows how bothersome tinnitus can be, and are here to help you find lasting relief. To learn more, reach out for a free consultation with a tinnitus expert on our team. In this free Zoom call, you can expect 20 minutes in which to ask questions, and receive a personalized plan to target your unique symptoms.
Your tinnitus may be caused by hearing loss, but there are also a variety of other potential causes. In any case, it is important to recognize that you do not need to wait, hoping that an experimental gene therapy will provide the answer to your tinnitus symptoms. Our team is always on the lookout for better, more effective tinnitus treatments, but there are some truly incredible, evidence-based interventions for tinnitus offered through Treble Health. Don’t put off tinnitus treatment – get started today with a free consultation, and start the journey towards a peaceful, quiet future.
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