BACKGROUND: A cochlear implant, the only current treatment for restoring auditory perception after severe or profound sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL), works by electrically stimulating spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs). However, gradual degeneration of SGNs associated with SNHL can compromise the efficacy of the device. OBJECTIVE: To review novel drug delivery systems for preserving and/or regenerating sensory cells in the cochlea after SNHL. METHODS: The effectiveness of traditional cochlear drug delivery systems is compared to newer techniques such as cell, polymer and gene transfer technologies. Special requirements for local drug delivery to the cochlea are discussed, such as protecting residual hearing and site-specific drug delivery for cell preservation and regeneration. RESULTS/ CONCLUSIONS: Drug delivery systems with the potential for immediate clinical translation, as well as those that will contribute to the future of hearing preservation or cochlear cellular regeneration, are identified.
BACKGROUND: A cochlear implant, the only current treatment for restoring auditory perception after severe or profound sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL), works by electrically stimulating spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs). However, gradual degeneration of SGNs associated with SNHL can compromise the efficacy of the device. OBJECTIVE: To review novel drug delivery systems for preserving and/or regenerating sensory cells in the cochlea after SNHL. METHODS: The effectiveness of traditional cochlear drug delivery systems is compared to newer techniques such as cell, polymer and gene transfer technologies. Special requirements for local drug delivery to the cochlea are discussed, such as protecting residual hearing and site-specific drug delivery for cell preservation and regeneration. RESULTS/ CONCLUSIONS: Drug delivery systems with the potential for immediate clinical translation, as well as those that will contribute to the future of hearing preservation or cochlear cellular regeneration, are identified.
Authors: Rachael T Richardson; Andrew K Wise; Brianna C Thompson; Brianna O Flynn; Patrick J Atkinson; Nicole J Fretwell; James B Fallon; Gordon G Wallace; Rob K Shepherd; Graeme M Clark; Stephen J O'Leary Journal: Biomaterials Date: 2009-01-29 Impact factor: 12.479
Authors: Xiaoping Du; Kejian Chen; Satish Kuriyavar; Richard D Kopke; Brian P Grady; David H Bourne; Wei Li; Kenneth J Dormer Journal: Otol Neurotol Date: 2013-01 Impact factor: 2.311