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Gene therapy: kids hear for the first time
https://www.thesun.co.uk/health/28341556/boy-dances-first-time-astounding-injection-for-deafness/MUSIC TO MY EARS Watch as little boy dances for the first time after getting ‘astounding’ injection for deafness
Researchers injected the groundbreaking treatment into the boys ear using a virus
Eliza Loukou, Health Reporter
Published: 15:20, 6 Jun 2024Updated: 15:20, 6 Jun 2024
As part of a clinical trial at the Eye & ENT Hospital of Fudan University in Shanghai, China - conducted in partnership with Mass General Brigham Eye and Ear researchers - the kids were given a novel gene therapy designed to target a form of inherited deafness called DFNB9.
After being treated in both their ears, the children were able to hear for the first time, perceiving speech and were sounds came from.
One of those was a little boy, who couldn't hear anything before being given the injection.
A heartwarming video filmed 15 weeks after the injection shows the tot dancing to 'Twinkle Twinkle Little Star', waving his hands round in excitement.
(Videos at link)