We can help you claim
compensation following an accident
illness or injury - nationwide
Call: 0800 10 757 95
For those people who have been forced to make a deafness injury claim there have been many false dawns in the search to find a cure for hearing loss.
But researchers here in the UK have finally held out the tantalising prospect that a cure, or near-cure, for noise-induced hearing loss could finally be within reach. And, although the reality of treatment is thought to be at least a decade away, it has not prevented the team of stem cell researchers from making very optimistic noises about the potential of their work.
The UK university research team behind the work are using stem cells, harvested from the cochleas of human foetuses, to grow the neurons and sensory hair cells essential to hearing. Lead researcher Dr Marcelo Rivolta, from the University of Sheffield, comments, "The potential of stem cells is very exciting. We have now an experimental system to study genes and drugs in a human context.
"Moreover, these cells would help us to develop the technologies needed to deliver them into damaged tissues, such as the cochlea, in order to restore the different cell types.
"This should facilitate the development of a stem cell treatment for deafness."
David McAlpine, professor of auditory neuroscience and director of the ear institute at University College London, believes that the research has particular relevance to those who have suffered noise-induced deafness, holding out hope to a great number of workplace deafness claimants. "Is this the ultimate upgrade for the iPod generation?" He asks.
Adding, "The possibility of regenerating the sensory cells of the inner ear, so easily damaged by exposure to loud sound, has just moved a step closer.
"If scientists can find out ways to deliver new cells to the inner ear, and wire them up correctly, then ‘plug and play' hearing could be the future."
But for the permanent deafness injury claim to truly become a thing of the past, more needs to be done. Chris Mason, professor of stem cell and regenerative medicine at University College London explains, "This exciting development demonstrates the huge depth of research capability that we have in the UK. The next step is to enable this world-class team from Sheffield to translate this new knowledge into real benefit for patients.
"This requires the Government to support its true translation into safe, effect and affordable therapies in the same enthusiastic manner that it has embraced the basic research.
"It is not one or other that is required, but both world class science coupled to true translation, if we are to one day cure the millions of people who suffer with deafness."
Make a cost free deafness injury claim
A deafness injury claim, whether for tinnitus, partial hearing loss or full hearing loss, can be as much as a six-figure sum, depending on the severity and circumstance of the injury.
Having expert legal representation in the form of a leading no win, no fee solicitor can make all the difference to a claimant's prospects of success.
Here at YouClaim, we have an outstanding success rate in settling cases in our clients' favour and, win or lose, ensure that our specialist solicitors represent your case on a basis that is completely free of charge.
In addition, this no-risk service is underlined by our 100% compensation promise: we never take a cut.
To find out more about how we can help you claim the damages you deserve, echat, complete an online claim form or call an advisor today, on 0800 10 757 95.
