Towards stem cell therapies for hearing loss: awareness and perspectives of Australian audiologists and their patients
Creators: name: Iem, Dysiphan
name: Carney, Georgia
name: Munsie, Megan
name: Nayagam, Bryony A
Publisher: name: Taylor & Francis
Year: 2024
Subjects: subject: Medicine
subject: Ecology
subject: FOS: Biological sciences
subject: Biological Sciences not elsewhere classified
subject: Developmental Biology
subject: Cancer
subject: Science Policy
subject: Hematology

description: <b>Aim:</b> Over the last two decades, numerous experimental studies have examined the feasibility of delivering stem cells into the cochlea to restore hearing. While these studies have spawned new cell therapy companies, there is little information on what patients understand or expect from these emerging therapies. <b>Methods:</b> This study sought to understand the awareness and perspectives of Australian audiologists and their adult patients toward stem cell therapies for treating hearing loss. <b>Results:</b> An anonymous survey indicated 91% of patients and 39% of audiologists were unaware of these therapies being developed. Thirty percent of audiologists reported being asked about stem cell therapies for hearing loss, but 70% were not confident answering patient queries about this and were unsure where to gather information. Primary concerns reported by patients were cost (45%) and safety of treatment (42%). Interestingly, 58% of patients were unsure of how this therapy would improve their hearing, yet 25% of these patients expected that their hearing would return to normal. <b>Conclusion:</b> There was strong support for development of educational materials for both patient and clinician. The increasingly important role of audiologists in providing patient counselling was reflected in overwhelming support (from both patient and clinician) for audiologists providing such information. In recent years, scientific studies have investigated the possibility of using stem cells to improve or restore hearing. Although some companies claim to be able use stem cell therapies to treat hearing loss now, there is currently not enough evidence to show these treatments are safe or effective. This study aimed to understand the awareness and perspectives of Australian audiologists and their adult patients toward stem cell therapies for hearing restoration. The study was conducted as a survey at an audiology clinic in Melbourne, Australia. The study found 91% of patients and 39% of audiologists were not aware of stem cell therapies for hearing loss. Although 30% of audiologists said they had been asked by a patient about stem cell therapies, 70% said they would not feel confident responding to a question from a patient. Primary patient concerns about stem cell therapies for hearing loss were cost (45%) and safety (42%). Most patients (57%) were unsure what stem cell therapies would do, but 25% expected that this treatment would return their hearing to normal. This study demonstrates the increasingly important role of audiologists in providing support to patients about future potential therapies for hearing loss, as reflected in overwhelming support (from both patient and clinician) for audiologists providing such information. Almost all patients surveyed in this study (92%) reported being unaware of any current or potential therapeutic use of stem cells for hearing loss, and only a third of participating audiologists noted awareness of the use of stem cells in otology. Of patients who had self-perceived hearing loss, 75% indicated that they were open to the use of stem cells for the treatment of their hearing loss, should such treatments become available in the future. All audiologists within this study agreed that they should have a role in educating patients in stem cell therapies for hearing loss, but few were comfortable in replying to patient enquiries. Audiology as a profession has shifted from a biomedical perspective, where clinicians primarily focus on managing the hearing loss with available treatment options, to a more patient-centered model of practice, which emphasizes joint decision-making and consideration of the biological, psychological and social needs of the patient. For most patients surveyed (91.1%), consultation with a health professional was the most preferable choice. Unsurprisingly, a strong preference for online materials was noted given the ease with which this material can be accessed. Notably, unverified information online can be dangerous for patients as it can be biased toward public opinion over empirical data and exaggerate positive aspects of experimental stem cell therapies without fully disclosing the burdens that come with such treatment. The findings of this study highlight the opportunity for discussion among audiologists, patients, researchers, audiology governing bodies, stem cell peak bodies and other important stakeholders on the role of audiologists in educating patients about potential future stem cell therapies for hearing loss. This dialogue could facilitate the establishment and integration of educational material and professional guidelines that could assist audiologists with their knowledge and confidence in advising patients, as well as managing their expectations in matters relating to stem cell therapies. In turn, this could enhance patient-centered care as patients are equipped with accurate information relating to the risks, benefits and limitations of stem cell therapies. With this information, patients could be better positioned to make informed decisions about their hearing health.