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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Science
Ian Sample Science editor

FORGOTTEN HISTORY: Gene therapy trial restores hearing in both ears for deaf children - Caught on Camera

A close-up of a baby touching its ear with a hand
The children in the study were unable to hear from birth because of genetic mutations affecting a protein needed to pass auditory signals to the brain. Photograph: Mikeuk/Getty Images

Five children who were born deaf now have hearing in both ears after taking part in an “astounding” gene therapy trial that raises hopes for further treatments.

The children were unable to hear because of inherited genetic mutations that disrupt the body’s ability to make a protein needed to ensure auditory signals pass seamlessly from the ear to the brain.

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