Potential roles of stem cells in the management of sensorineural hearing loss

BACKGROUND: In the management of sensorineural hearing loss, effective therapy for degenerated hair cells, third order neurons, ganglions, dendrites and synaptic areas of the vestibulo-cochleo-cerebral pathway remains an enigma. Transplantation of stem and progenitor cells appears to be an emerging potential solution, and is the focus of this review. AIM: To review recent developments in the management of sensorineural hearing loss in the field of stem cell research. MATERIALS AND METHOD: A systematic review of the English language literature included all experimental and non-experimental studies with a Jadad score of three or more, published between 2000 and 2010 and included in the following databases: Cochrane Library Ear, Nose and Throat Disorders; Medline; Google Scholar; Hinari; and the Online Library of Toronto University. RESULTS: Of the 455 and 29 600 articles identified from Medline and Google Scholar, respectively, 48 met the inclusion criteria. These were independently reviewed and jointly analysed. CONCLUSION: Although there is not yet any evidence from successful human studies, stem cell and 'alternative stem cell' technology seems to represent the future of sensorineural hearing loss management.