Introduction: Sensorineural hearing loss results in irreversible loss of inner ear hair cells and spiral ganglion neurons. Reduced sound detection and speech discrimination can span all ages, and sensorineural hearing rehabilitation is limited to amplification with hearing aids or cochlear implants. Recent insights into experimental drug treatments for inner ear regeneration and otoprotection have paved the way for clinical trials in order to restore a more physiological hearing experience. Paired with the development of innovative minimally invasive approaches for drug delivery to the inner ear, new, emerging treatments for hearing protection and restoration are within reach.
Areas covered: This expert opinion provides an overview of the latest experimental drug therapies to protect from and to restore sensorineural hearing loss.
Expert opinion: The degree and type of cellular damage to the cochlea, the responsiveness of remaining, endogenous cells to regenerative treatments, and the duration of drug availability within cochlear fluids will determine the success of hearing protection or restoration.
Keywords: inner ear therapeutics; otoprotection; regeneration; sensorineural hearing loss; small molecules; synaptopathy.