Genetics plays a significant role in hearing impairment, accounting for 30% to 50% of all hearing loss cases. It is also responsible for 60% of deafness occurring in infants. These genetic mutations can lead to progressive hearing loss over time, affecting individuals from early childhood.
At Rescue Hearing Inc. (RHI), we are dedicated to developing gene therapy solutions that target the root causes of genetic hearing loss, offering new hope for individuals born with hearing impairments.
As people grow older, age-related hearing loss (presbycusis) becomes increasingly common. This condition affects the ability to hear high-frequency sounds and makes conversations difficult to follow, especially in noisy environments.
By focusing on advancing hearing restoration therapies, RHI aims to develop innovative treatments that preserve and enhance hearing function for older adults.
Every day, we are surrounded by sounds—televisions, radios, household appliances, and traffic. While most are harmless, excessive noise exposure from workplaces, concerts, or personal audio devices can lead to permanent hearing damage over time.
Many people listen to music, podcasts, or videos at unsafe volumes (above 85 dB) for hours daily, accelerating hearing loss. Earbuds, which sit closer to the eardrum than over-ear headphones, can increase sound intensity by up to 9 dB—equivalent to doubling the perceived loudness.
Protecting hearing from long-term noise exposure is crucial, and future advancements in gene therapy may offer potential solutions for restoring noise-induced hearing loss.
Our research targets the molecular pathology of sensorineural hearing loss, with a focus on the tympanic membrane and cochlear transduction pathways. We investigate therapeutic interventions for mutations in critical auditory genes such as TMPRSS3, which disrupt mechanoelectrical transduction and contribute to progressive hearing impairment – representing the most prevalent genetic etiology in adult cochlear implant recipients. Through strategic collaborations with biotechnology partners, we are translating preclinical findings targeting these molecular defects into clinical-stage therapies designed to preserve residual hearing and restore auditory function at the cellular level.
Hearing loss affects millions, but together, we can change the future. At Rescue Hearing, we specialize in next-generation gene therapy treatments to restore hearing and enhance quality of life.
