Hearing loss, stem cells, and photobiomodulation

Abstract

Sensorineural hearing loss, that is, hearing loss due to loss of sensory cells and related neural structures, greatly impacts the current socioeconomic environment. Trials to regenerate these structures are ongoing, but evidence regarding therapeutic options is still lacking. Stem cell therapy is a promising therapeutic option for restoring hearing in patients with sensorineural hearing loss. Potential stem cell-based regenerative therapies target either cochlear hair cells, which perform a primary role during sound transduction to brain, or neural structures connecting to the organ of Corti (especially inner hair cells). However, several obstacles remain to be overcome, such as a low survival rate and a complicated differentiation process. Photobiomodulation (PBM) is a non-invasive technique that involves stimulation with different wavelengths and has many beneficial effects on stem cell differentiation, proliferation, and migration. Several studies have demonstrated that PBM offers a potential means of overcoming these obstacles. However, more detailed, well-constructed experiments are required to expand the possibilities offered by PBM.