Sensorineural hearing loss is one of the most common long-term disabilities not only in Mississippi, but throughout the world. It has been estimated that as many as 1 in 5 adults under the age of 65, and more than 50% of adults over the age of 75 suffer a significant level of hearing loss. To better understand how to prevent and treat sensorineural hearing loss, our lab examines the sensory cells of the inner ear at the molecular and cellular levels. Using genetic engineering approaches we have been able to identify genes that are important in the development of the ear and genes that are critical for initiating the regeneration of auditory cells. We are continuing to investigate the processes of development and regeneration which will not only enrich our understanding of the inner ear as a whole, but will hopefully provide a means for rehabilitating the hearing of those individuals with sensorineural hearing loss who wish to have function restored.
