A recent ongoing research by Australian researchers has offered a distinct hope to people suffering from hearing loss. Researchers led by Bryony Coleman, at the Eye and Ear Hospital, are conducting world-first research into the potential of stem cells to regrow the nerves that connect the ear to the brain. 

Researchers believe that if the present research is successful, it could help in restoring hearing to those who are totally deaf. Researchers added that this technique could also be used to improve the quality of hearing in people with cochlear implants.

Loud noise destroys some of the tiny, vibrating hairs in the inner ear. Each hair cell's destruction leads to the death of up to 10 nerves that carry sound information into the brain. Researcher found out that the bionic ear (cochlear implant) can replace some of the work of the hair. But it cannot regrow the nerves. 

Dr Coleman said that the theory is that the bigger and healthier the nerves, the better the cochlear implant will work. Researchers are using stem cells to enhance the nerves. Researchers accepted that this procedure is very complicated. The research team has to make the cells grow in the right place, to connect the hair cell to the brain. 

In the study, researchers for the first time used gene therapy to regrow the delicate hair cells of the inner ear — in mice.