Deaf Teenager and 24-Year-Old Gain Ability to Hear After Experimental Gene Therapy image

Breakthrough Gene Therapy Restores Hearing in Deaf Teen and Young Adult

Date: Jul 3, 2025

Category: Health & Technology


Gene therapy has long shown promise for treating congenital hearing loss in young children, but a groundbreaking new study has now demonstrated its effectiveness in older individuals as well. In a world-first, a deaf teenager and a 24-year-old adult have regained significant hearing abilities after undergoing experimental gene therapy. Researchers targeted a specific genetic mutation responsible for their deafness, delivering a healthy copy of the gene directly into the inner ear. Both patients experienced remarkable improvements in their ability to perceive sounds and understand speech, marking a major milestone in the treatment of genetic hearing loss. Previously, gene therapy had only been tested in very young children, whose developing auditory systems were thought to be more receptive to intervention. This new success in older patients suggests a broader window for effective treatment, offering renewed hope to thousands living with hereditary deafness. Experts believe this breakthrough could pave the way for further clinical trials and, eventually, wider availability of gene therapy for people of various ages suffering from genetic hearing loss. As research continues, the potential to restore hearing in older patients could transform lives and redefine the future of auditory medicine. Read the source »

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