Gene therapy has been effective for young children with genetic hearing loss, but this is the first study to show promising results in older patients.

Just one month after the treatment, the majority of patients gained some hearing. Six months later, all 10 showed considerable hearing improvement, with the average volume of perceptible sound improving from 106 decibels (very loud) to 52 (much fainter). What’s more, the patients did not report any adverse side effects within the first 12 months post-treatment.