Are you at risk of hearing loss? If so, then you should know about the SICHL mission. In case you need to know more here are a few basics about the SICHL mission.
What Is It?
SICHL stands for Stanford Initiative to Cure Hearing Loss. Sponsored by Stanford University, its goal is to devise treatments and research that restore and repair all manner of hearing loss. They have over a hundred scientists, faculty, and technicians that are working on cures to bring to clinical trials.
Key Areas of Research
Their 4 key areas of research are stem cell, gene, and molecular therapies. They are also working on targeted neural stimulation. They are focusing on so many areas for a broad encompassing search approach to repair and restore hearing loss.
Here is a little information about each area:
In the area of stem cell therapy, they are working towards repairing inner ear damage by surgically placing stem cells inside it. This project is still in the research phase. But, initial data looks promising.
Gene therapy is another area of research that SICHL is focusing on. Experts found that only 3 genes mutate cause 70% of the most common ways to lose hearing. Therefore, SICHL is searching for ways to isolate those 3 genes.
Next, SICHL is working in molecular therapy to develop drugs that may restore hearing or prevent hearing loss. They are also looking into hormonal stimulation. This specific hormone will help them understand the pathological pathways that lead to hearing loss.
Finally, the last part of their research is targeted neural stimulation. This branch of research seeks to identify the specific auditory neurons that would make it easier to hear speech. Targeting specific neurons will make it easier to hear when someone is talking without flooding the ear with background noise.
Final Thoughts
It’s good to know the basics about the SICHL mission, but if this will impact you personally, you should keep your eye on their latest developments. Their approach is well-rounded. And they have the resources to commit to a momentous project like this.
