The Role of Stem Cells in Hearing Restorative Therapy

Stem cells play a crucial role in the advancement of restorative hearing therapy, marking the beginning of a new era in the treatment of hearing loss. Researchers are currently focusing on studying many types of stem cells, including mesenchymal stem cells (MSC), embryonic stem cells (ESC), induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC), neural stem cells (NSC), and otic progenitor cells, in order to restore or enhance hearing function. Stem cells possess the capacity to undergo differentiation into auditory cells, namely hair cells within the cochlea, which serves as the foundation for the restoration of auditory functionality. Stem cells promote the regeneration of nearby tissue, facilitate the development of new auditory cells, and enhance the quality of the ear's mucous membrane, thus establishing a conducive environment for healing. It is the stem cells that make growth factors, which help repair, regeneration, and differentiation of new auditory cells. This creates an ideal environment for cells to multiply. By enabling the creation of customized therapies that can specifically match the unique characteristics of each patient, induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) introduce a personalized approach to treating hearing loss.