In 2023, the landscape of hearing healthcare experienced remarkable activity and pivotal shifts. Throughout the year, Hearing News Watch highlighted a range of impactful stories, from legislative proposals to industry advancements, research breakthroughs, and groundbreaking technologies. These articles spotlighted the diverse innovations and substantial changes that marked the year in hearing healthcare.
Below we highlight the Top 10 Most Read news stories of 2023.
Top 10 Hearing News Stories of 2023
1) Auditory Breakthrough: Regeneron’s DB-OTO Gene Therapy Improves Hearing in Child with Profound Genetic Hearing Loss.
In October, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. reported promising safety and efficacy outcomes from the first patient under the age of two enrolled in the Phase 1/2 CHORD trial. This trial focuses on otoferlin gene therapy (DB-OTO) for children with profound genetic hearing loss stemming from otoferlin gene mutations.
2) Landmark ACHIEVE Trial Suggests Hearing Aids Slow Cognitive Decline in Older Adults with Hearing Loss and Increased Risk of Cognitive Decline. This summer, the long-awaited results of the ACHIEVE study were released. Dr. Frank Lin, co-primary investigator of the ACHIEVE study, emphasized the importance of hearing intervention in reducing cognitive change among older adults at risk for cognitive decline. He highlighted that treating hearing loss in later life is vital in the public health initiative to diminish the risk of cognitive decline and dementia.
3) New Study Uncovers Hair Cells’ Ability to Repair Themselves: Implications for Future Hearing Loss Treatment. Researchers at the University of Virginia School of Medicine shed light on the regenerative potential of delicate hair cells found in the inner ear, which are crucial for both hearing and balance. Their study challenged the conventional belief that damaged auditory hair cells in the inner ear are irreparable.
4) New Clinical Publication Reports First Three Patients in Early Feasibility Trial for Envoy Medical’s Fully Implanted Cochlear Implant. With Breakthrough Device Designation from the FDA and ongoing feasibility studies at Mayo Clinic, the Acclaim® device could revolutionize cochlear implant technology by leveraging the natural ear to capture sound without the need for external hardware or daily recharging.
5) Medicare Audiology Access Improvement Act of 2023 Introduced in U.S. Senate; Endorsed by AAA, ADA, and ASHA. The bipartisan bill, Medicare Audiology Access Improvement Act aims to grant Medicare beneficiaries access to comprehensive hearing and balance healthcare services provided by licensed audiologists across all states and territories.
6) Neuromod’s Lenire® Tinnitus Treatment Device Receives FDA De Novo Approval. The De Novo pathway allows novel medical devices with low to moderate risk to gain FDA clearance, marking Lenire’s regulatory recognition for its innovative approach in tackling a widespread condition like tinnitus.
7) Sound Pharmaceuticals Completes Enrollment in Phase 3 Clinical Trial for Meniere’s Disease Treatment. In May, Sound Pharmaceuticals completed enrollment in its Phase 3 clinical trial studying SPI-1005 for Meniere’s Disease treatment. Over 220 eligible patients were quickly enrolled, surpassing goals and finalizing six months ahead of schedule.
8) New Study Suggests Reduced Inhibition, Not Cochlear Synaptopathy, Underlies Age-Related Hearing Difficulties.The study emphasizes that successful hearing in older age involves more than just peripheral hearing sensitivity, highlighting the importance of central auditory processing and cognitive functions. Declining cognitive inhibition appears strongly linked to age-related auditory issues, stressing its role in challenges related to hearing.
9) Study Reveals Link Between Extended High-Frequency Hearing Loss and Tinnitus-Related Distress. Researchers found a connection between extended high-frequency hearing loss and increased distress in certain aspects of hearing clarity and speech understanding for chronic tinnitus patients. Addressing extended high-frequency hearing loss, possibly through high-frequency amplification with hearing aids, may help alleviate auditory issues linked to tinnitus.
10) Frequency Therapeutics to Discontinue FX-322 Hearing Loss Treatment Program After Latest Trial Disappointment. In February, the company announced the disappointing results of their Phase 2b study on FX-322, a drug for Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SNHL), revealing no significant improvement in speech perception or secondary endpoints. Consequently, the company has discontinued the development of FX-322 and its SNHL programs while redirecting focus and resources towards advancing a remyelination therapy for Multiple Sclerosis (MS).
