**Western Australia**: The Ear Science Institute Australia unveils The Aussie Ear Bank, a pioneering biobank aiming to transform auditory healthcare by storing genetic samples and fostering research into personalised therapies for hearing loss, backed by significant funding and collaboration within the medical community.
Ear Science Institute Australia has announced the launch of a pioneering biobank dedicated to genetic-associated hearing loss, marking a significant advance in the landscape of auditory healthcare in the country. The initiative, known as the Australasian Hearing Registry and Biobank, colloquially referred to as The Aussie Ear Bank, aims to provide a comprehensive resource for the storage and analysis of tissue samples to further the development of personalized therapies and treatments for hearing impairment.
Headquartered in Western Australia, The Aussie Ear Bank will be the first of its kind in Australia, addressing a pressing global issue as hearing loss currently affects over 1.5 billion individuals worldwide. Projections suggest this number could escalate to 2.5 billion by 2050, underscoring the urgent need for innovative approaches to treatment. The biobank project has garnered substantial support, including a $500,000 grant from the Future Health Research & Innovation Fund and an additional $150,000 from the Ian Potter Foundation.
Genetic factors play a crucial role in both congenital and age-related deafness. It is estimated that genetics account for about 50% of cases of congenital hearing loss, and as stated by Marcus Atlas, founder of Ear Science and a leading ear, hearing, and skull base surgeon, “The emerging research around the world… is that genetics is the big new factor in middle age and older people’s hearing loss.” Atlas highlighted that this understanding shifts the focus from traditional causes, such as noise and age, to genetics, opening avenues for potentially treatable interventions.
The new biobank initiative seeks to connect researchers, clinicians, and the wider community, facilitating collaboration that can lead to breakthroughs in gene-based therapies for both children and adults experiencing hearing loss. The chief executive of Ear Science, Adjunct Associate Professor Sandra Bellekom, expressed pride in spearheading this project, stating, “The bringing together of researchers, hospitals, clinics and the community is what Ear Science is known for.”
Noteworthy progress in the field of genetic therapies has been documented recently, with significant cases such as that of an 11-year-old boy in Philadelphia who regained his hearing following treatment for congenital deafness. This treatment focused on replacing a defective gene associated with hearing, demonstrating the potential of genetic interventions.
The initiative is not only pivotal for advancing research but will also create a digital registry that incorporates a large repository of genetic samples, audiometric assessments, and electrophysiological data, elevating research capacity and aiding the understanding of genetic influences on hearing loss. Christo Bester, PhD, who heads the Implant Innovation department, revealed, “Pioneering gene therapy offers hope for restoring hearing in patients with genetic hearing loss.”
The Aussie Ear Bank is poised to significantly enhance access to genetic samples by establishing connections with national and international registries involving clinicians, researchers, institutes, and patients. This extensive collaboration enhances the scope of research enabling the identification of viable treatments, ultimately benefiting those affected by hearing loss.
Through initiatives such as this, Ear Science Institute Australia aims to address the diverse causes of genetic-associated hearing loss and facilitate clinical trials that could lead to effective therapeutic strategies on both a domestic and global scale. The project is supported by the Future Health Research and Innovation Fund, highlighting the commitment to advancing auditory healthcare technology through research and innovation.
Source: Noah Wire Services
