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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
Although there is currently no cure for SNHL, researchers are focusing on developing potential treatments and therapies that may help children impacted by acquired SNHL. Some researchers hope to build upon previous laboratory studies that demonstrated that cord blood may help restore function to hearing structures.106
Cord blood stem cells may have unique advantages:
This is the first published phase I clinical trial evaluating the use of autologous cord blood in children with acquired sensorineural hearing loss. This small pilot study provided encouraging results for a condition that currently has no cure. We are optimistic that the advances made in this area may pave the way for more research studying cord blood as a potential treatment for acquired hearing loss.
We find these results exciting because acquired SNHL is permanent and not expected to improve with other therapies (like speech therapy), or with age. While this was a small study and additional research is needed, it is encouraging that there could be more options in the future for children with acquired SNHL, and there is potential to further the research for other types of hearing loss.
Researchers believe that research to restore hearing loss is a worthwhile line of scientific inquiry, but larger studies are needed to establish evidence regarding efficacy of cord blood in children with acquired SNHL. We’re excited about the outcome of this trial as it demonstrates the potential of the investment that families make when preserving newborn stem cells.
CBR is committed to keeping our clients informed about the latest research developments and clinical trial opportunities. We encourage our clients to participate in the Family Health Registry™, where we identify conditions common among CBR families, such as acquired SNHL. This helps us to learn more about the conditions and connect individuals who might be candidates for clinical trials to the researchers studying new potential applications.