Sensorineural hearing loss, which affects millions of individuals world wide, is caused by damage to the inner ear

Sensorineural hearing loss, which affects millions of individuals world wide, is caused by damage to the inner ear or the nerve pathways that connect the ear to the brain. This condition, often resulting from genetic mutations, aging, exposure to loud noise, or infections, leads to a diminished ability to hear sounds clearly. Unlike other forms of hearing loss, sensorineural hearing loss is typically permanent and cannot be corrected with surgery or traditional hearing aids. Akouos Inc. is leveraging adeno associated viral (AAV) vectors, a promising platform for delivering genetic material directly to the cells of the inner ear. This technology allows for the precise targeting of specific cells, enabling the correction of genetic mutations that cause hearing loss. By delivering healthy copies of genes to the affected areas, Akouos aims to restore normal hearing function or prevent further hearing degradation.