What is acquired sensorineural hearing loss?
Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) is a specific type of hearing loss that involves damage to, or dysfunction of, the inner ear (as opposed to other structures of the ear). Acquired SNHL can happen as the result of premature birth, infections, or exposure to loud noise or to certain drugs, resulting in irreversible damage to the fragile hair cells (cilia) in the inner ear.105
15%
Children who have low or high frequency hearing loss.103
50% - 70%
Children whose SNHL has no genetic component (acquired).104
40%
Young adults with hearing loss who experience a limitation in daily functioning.103
45,000
Infants born in the U.S. from 2005-2014 with hearing loss.103
The potential role of newborn stem cells
Cord blood stem cells may have unique advantages:
Targeted therapy
Unlike other hearing loss treatments, early laboratory studies have shown that cord blood stem cells appear to address the underlying cause of hearing loss directly by helping to regenerate delicate structures within the inner ear.10
Self-repair
In laboratory studies, newborn stem cells have demonstrated the ability to hone in on the site of damage. They may also have the potential to spur the repair mechanism at that site.106

Safe and accessible
Cord blood can be easily collected at the time of birth and stored for potential future use by the newborn donor or close family member.