Researchers link gene to deafness
16 01 2005
It is very simple but looks like they are close to repair hearing loss. If it does, it could impact big time in deaf community such as cochlear implants, hearing aids, deaf culture, sign language, interpreter, relay service, and many other things. It is definitely going be interesting to watch as the world get evolve and get better for everyone no matter what!
Researchers have identified a gene that prevents the regeneration of inner ear cells that are critical to hearing, a discovery experts say is the first step toward finding a way to correct the most common form of deafness among the elderly.
To read CNN Health full article - click here. Grant W. Laird, Jr. http://blog.grantlairdjr.com
Start Slide Show with PicLens Lite
I often wondered if this is “misleading” for a lack of a better term. The important phrase is “among the elderly” which is basically the deterioration of hearing. Meaning that science can restore hearing to full capacity? Or will this have an impact on those who have been deaf their whole lives?
I wonder too however I do believe this is only beginning — we all are getting smarter and live longer. So do many disabilities (small and big) will begin to fade away in long run. It probably will be another 100 years away.