Repair of Hearing Loss Closer

A UK study brings us closer to an understanding of what's behind deafness and should push forward develop of cures for hearing loss due to damage as well as genetic defects. Sheffield University's Walter Marcotti says he has uncovered one of the reason humans can hear such a wide range of sounds. The research shows the part played by a calcium sensor that's present in sound encoding cells and provides a better understanding of what goes into normal cochlear development. The study was funded by the Wellcome Trust, the Royal Society and Deafness Research UK, Britain's only charity dedicated to finding cures, treatments and technologies for the deaf and hard of hearing. Details are in the journal Nature Neuroscience.