The scientists found that although the Math1 null mice developed supporting cells, they did not show any signs of developing hair cells. The researchers deduced that Mathl provided the signal that caused cells to differentiate into hair cells. The delicate hair cells are vulnerable to disease, aging, and environmental trauma ranging from antibiotics to persistent loud noise. Eventually, this research could lead to treatments for adults whose hearing has been damaged by exposure to extreme noise or by trauma, Dr. Zoghbi says. More than 28 million Americans suffer impaired hearing.
Vestibular disorders affect one-fourth of the general population and half of the elderly.
Once the hair cells are destroyed, they cannot regenerate.