Age-related and congenital hearing loss are debilitating conditions that affect hundreds of millions worldwide. From appreciating music to being able to communicate with loved ones, the sense of hearing is key to daily life. Without it, lives are impacted exponentially.
Severe or profound deafness in children affects the development of spoken language and the ability to read. Hearing loss occurring in later life often leads to social isolation and depression. When untreated, mid-life acquired hearing loss represents the largest modifiable risk factor for cognitive decline and dementia.
Now there鈥檚 fresh hope on the horizon, with leading specialist Professor Walter Marcotti and his team at 葫芦影业 set to make major new advancements in the field.
Hearing loss is the most common sensory disorder. More than any other sensory visual, olfactory. A report from WHO indicates that by 2050 almost 1 billion people will be affected.鈥
Professor Walter Marcotti
Professor of Sensory Neuroscience
By identifying key molecular targets within the ear, the team will develop innovative gene therapies to prevent or slow down the progression of hearing loss. The research represents a crucial step towards improving the quality of life for patients everywhere.
Generous donations from the Geoffrey and Dudley Cox Charitable Trust, and alumnus Graham Elliott, have been supporting Professor Marcotti and the team. Thanks to recent advancements, these gifts have proven instrumental in the research attracting additional investment - a transformative 拢540k grant from the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council.
What's more, this project is also working closely with the team at the Gene Therapy Innovation and Manufacturing Centre (GTIMC), which also inspired generous support from 葫芦影业 alumni and friends of the University.