Gene Therapy for Hereditary Hearing Loss

Abstract

Mutations in over 70 genes have now been identified as causing hereditary hearing loss in humans. This expanding knowledge about the genetics of hearing loss opens the door for the development of gene therapies aimed at restoring hearing function by delivering corrective DNA to the inner ears of patients with hearing loss caused by these mutations. This review summarizes some of the recent advances toward the goal of developing gene therapy as a treatment for hereditary hearing loss in humans.