Stem Cell Treatment For Hearing Loss and Deafness

Hearing has helped humans survive and understand their surroundings since ancient times. However, the number of cases of sensorineural hearing loss, including age-related hearing loss, is increasing year after year.

Studies on potential hearing loss stem cell cure states that approximately 10% of people worldwide suffer from it. These disorders have been linked to an increased risk of dementia or other brain issues, which is why they must be controlled.

For those seeking ways to enhance hearing loss or deafness, this article offers in-depth information about stem cell treatment for hearing loss in 2024. The information provided is basic and serves to illustrate our approach to hearing loss.

Stem Cell Therapy for Hearing Loss — The process of hearing

What Is Hearing Loss?

Several parts of our ears, particularly the middle and inner ears, are involved in the process of hearing and interpreting sounds. They are responsible for interpreting and connecting all sounds to our brains, and in cases of hearing loss or deafness, they are the ones that get damaged.

The basic process of hearing is as follows:

1
Sound waves enter the outer ear, travel through the ear canal, and finally reach the eardrum.
2
The eardrum vibrates, sending vibrations to the bones in the middle ear and transmitting them to the cochlea in the inner ear.
3
A traveling wave forms on the basilar membrane, causing hair cells to bend. Hair cells react and generate an electrical signal.
4
The auditory nerve transmits the signal to the brain, where it is interpreted as sound.

If there are any infections or trauma, a part of this process may be broken, resulting in hearing loss. For example, an infection in the inner ear can damage hair cells or neurons, causing them to die. The primary goal of various treatments, such as using stem cells to cure deafness, is to regenerate them.

Hearing loss is divided into three types: conductive, sensorineural, and mixed.

Conductive hearing loss occurs when the tympanic membrane and auditory ossicles are damaged, which affects the ability to transmit sound vibrations. It usually stems from a long-term or series of infections; chronic otitis media is the most serious threat to our middle ears.

Sensorineural hearing loss occurs due to inner ear disorder. There are different reasons for this disability:

Aging;
Genetics;
Acoustic trauma;
Infections or immune disorders;
Endolymphatic hydrops (Meniere’s disease);
Sudden sensorineural hearing loss.

Depending on the severity, these disabilities can be treated using hearing aids, cochlear implants, or stem cells treatment for deafness to improve hearing.

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Dr. Aleksandra Fetyukhina, MD

Medical Advisor, Swiss Medica doctor

Does Stem Cell Therapy Work for Hearing Loss?

A stem cell is a type of cell that can transform into various types of cells in a tissue. There are various types of stem cells used for treatment purposes. At Swiss Medica, we use multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) due to their high safety and effectiveness profile. Based on their location, MSCs can be derived from different tissues, including bone marrow, fat, etc.

In the case of hearing loss, MSCs can be transplanted into a patient’s body and travel to the injured area of the body, guided by proteins that show them where the inflammation is.

Neural stem cells are also ideal candidates for stem cell therapy for deafness because of their ability to replace damaged cells. However, they are more challenging to obtain.

In addition to using stem cells for hearing loss, mature or differentiated cells, such as macrophages and platelets, can treat hearing loss. Together with stem cell therapy, they can help patients recover some or all of their hearing ability.

After all, stem cell therapy remains an emerging field of research in the treatment of hearing loss. Researchers are exploring the potential of stem cells to regenerate damaged inner ear structures, such as hair cells and auditory neurons, which are crucial for hearing.

Indications and Contraindications for Stem Cell Treatment for Hearing Loss

Stem cell therapy for hearing loss is typically used when standard therapy for the underlying disease is ineffective or causes complications. To determine whether this kind of therapy will benefit them or if there are contraindications, patients should consult with a healthcare professional. Among the contradictions are:

Previous negative experience with cell products;
Any acute infectious disease;
Stroke or transient ischemic attack in the last three months;
Deviations of some indicators in blood tests;
Mental disorders and addictions;
Contraindications to anesthesia and/or high risk of bleeding and/or pathological processes in the area of the proposed biopsy (does not exclude the possibility of using donor cell products);
Pregnancy and lactation, and some others.

Advantages of Stem Cell Therapy for Deafness and Hearing Loss

In cases of incomplete hearing loss, stem cell therapy for deafness can be beneficial when combined with other treatments such as hearing aids, drug therapy with therapy with a hearing specialist, known as an audiologist, and using cochlear implants. The application of one or more therapies should be determined by a professional doctor after a thorough anamnesis and testing.

Potential benefits of using stem cells for hearing loss depend on individual characteristics of the patient and may vary, including:

Regeneration of hair cells: In some cases, hearing loss can result from the death of important cells for sound interpretation, such as hair cells or neurons. Stem cells can differentiate and transform into the cells required to reproduce a tissue or restore it. The process may not always be flawless, but it gives the patient’s body more resources to fight the disability.
Repair of injured cochlear fibrocytes: Cochlear fibrocytes play a supportive role in the inner ear, maintaining the structural integrity and function of the cochlea. There are ongoing studies on benefits of stem cells for hearing regeneration in mammals and humans. MSCs transplantation into the inner ear may promote hearing recovery, which sounds promising for people with sensorineural hearing loss.
Repair of auditory neurons: Stem cells could potentially differentiate into auditory neurons or support the repair of existing neurons. This might improve signal transmission from the ear to the brain, enhancing hearing clarity and quality.
Reduction of inflammation: Due to anti-inflammatory properties, stem cells can help reduce inflammation in the inner ear. Decreasing inflammation could protect remaining cells and improve the overall environment for cell regeneration.
Protection of remaining cells: Stem cells can secrete trophic factors that promote the survival and health of existing cells. This protective effect of stem cells for hearing loss can help maintain current hearing levels and slow down the progression of hearing loss.
Improvement in cochlear implant outcomes: Stem cell therapy might be used along with cochlear implants to improve their effectiveness. Enhancing the health and function of the cochlea can lead to better outcomes for patients with cochlear implants.

Swiss Medica stays current on new research and incorporates best practices into our therapies. Our doctors will assess your condition and decide if stem cell therapy is a suitable treatment for your condition and what benefits it may bring.

Safety of Stem Cell Therapy and Possible Side Effects

Therapy with stem cells for hearing loss is generally considered safe when conducted under following conditions:

Accordance with regulatory guidelines, ensuring that treatments meet high standards of safety and efficacy.
Extensive screening and testing to ensure stem cells are free from infections, genetic abnormalities, and other potential risks.
Administration in specialized clinics or hospitals by trained professionals to minimize the risk of side effects and complications.

At Swiss Medica, we primarily harvest adult mesenchymal stem cells from sources such as the placenta or umbilical cord of donors. These materials are harvested as they are discarded after childbirth in a sterile environment, ensuring minimal risk of contamination. These sources are also selected because of their abundance and accessibility.

To ensure their purity, viability, and sterility, stem cells undergo a series of tests before being used in treatments. This includes thorough checks for bacterial, fungal, and viral contamination, as well as genetic and molecular testing to confirm their identity and function. Only after that will stem cells be transplanted to treat hearing loss.

We do not use embryonic stem cells due to ethical reasons and higher health risks.

In embryonic cells, unlike MSCs and NSCs, there is a risk of tumor development, including malignant tumors and teratomas.

Additionally, we refrain from applying hormonal or chemical procedures to keep the process of rehabilitation safe and natural. When conducted in a sterile and precise manner, using stem cells for hearing repair carries a minimal risk of side effects.

While generally safe, stem cell therapy can have potential side effects, including:

Fever and chills as a reaction to the stem cell therapy.
Temporary redness and swelling at the injection site.
Infections on rare occasions if the cells are not handled properly.
Allergic reactions to the materials used in stem cell culture or delivery.

It should be noted that there are no long-term side effects. Consulting with experienced healthcare providers and opting for treatments within regulated frameworks can help maximize safety and efficacy and reduce the risk of adverse effects.

What Type of Improvements Can I Expect from Stem Cell Therapy?

Stem cell products can help patients rejuvenate their bodily functions. There are some possible effects:

Slowing the progression of hearing loss;
Increased neurogenesis for better body control;
Immunomodulatory effects to boost overall health;
Restored or partially restored hearing, which leads to increased self-confidence, less isolation, and a stronger connection to others.

Using stem cells for hearing restoration extends beyond just the issue itself to the entire body.

Considering treating hearing loss with stem cells as a cure or a magic pill is misguided; positive results and improvements vary among patients and depend on many factors. Prior consultation with a healthcare professional will help define the extent of potential benefits for the patient.

Cost of Stem Cell Therapy for Hearing Loss

The cost of stem cell therapy for hearing loss is influenced by multiple factors including the type and source of stem cells, treatment complexity, clinic location, and additional care requirements.

At Swiss Medica, our doctors assess the final cost of MSCs stem cell treatment by taking into account the procedures and the amount of stem cells needed in each specific case. The price usually ranges from €7,000 to €25,000.

Contact us through the form below to schedule a free consultation with our doctor and understand the full scope of costs involved.

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Dr. Aleksandra Fetyukhina, MD

Medical Advisor, Swiss Medica doctor

List of References

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Hu Z, Ulfendahl M. The potential of stem cells for the restoration of auditory function in humans. Regen Med. 2013 May;8(3):309-18. doi.org/10.2217/rme.13.32
Park YH. Stem Cell Therapy for Sensorineural Hearing Loss, Still Alive? J Audiol Otol. 2015 Sep;19(2):63-7. doi.org/10.7874/jao.2015.19.2.63
Dufner-Almeida LG, Cruz DBD, Mingroni Netto RC, Batissoco AC, Oiticica J, Salazar-Silva R. Stem-cell therapy for hearing loss: are we there yet? Braz J Otorhinolaryngol. 2019 Jul-Aug;85(4):520-529. doi.org/10.1016/j.bjorl.2019.04.006
Kamiya K, Fujinami Y, Hoya N, Okamoto Y, Kouike H, Komatsuzaki R, Kusano R, Nakagawa S, Satoh H, Fujii M, Matsunaga T. Mesenchymal stem cell transplantation accelerates hearing recovery through the repair of injured cochlear fibrocytes. Am J Pathol. 2007 Jul;171(1):214-26. doi.org/10.2353/ajpath.2007.060948
Diensthuber M, Stöver T. Strategies for a regenerative therapy of hearing loss. HNO. 2018 Jan;66(Suppl 1):39-46. English. doi.org/10.1007/s00106-017-0467-0
Romano DR, Hashino E, Nelson RF. Deafness-in-a-dish: modeling hereditary deafness with inner ear organoids. Hum Genet. 2022 Apr;141(3-4):347-362. doi.org/10.1007/s00439-021-02325-9
Ibarretxe G. Stem Cell Therapy and Rejuvenation, and Their Impact on Society. Bioengineering (Basel). 2023 Jun 7;10(6):694. doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering10060694
He Zuhong , Ding Yanyan , Mu Yurong , Xu Xiaoxiang , Kong Weijia , Chai Renjie , Chen Xiong. Stem Cell-Based Therapies in Hearing Loss. Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology. Vol.9. 2021 https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/cell-and-developmental-biology/articles/10.3389/fcell.2021.730042 DOI=10.3389/fcell.2021.730042
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