A Hidden Reason Inner Ear Cells Die – And What It Means for Preventing Hearing Loss

Hidden Cause of Permanent Hearing Loss Identified

Researchers discover that hearing-essential proteins (TMC1/TMC2) also regulate cell membranes, and their malfunction is a primary cause of permanent hearing loss.

A Hidden Reason Inner Ear Cells Die – And What It Means for Preventing Hearing Loss

BETHESDA, MD - Proteins long known to be essential for hearing have been hiding a talent: they also act as gatekeepers that shuffle fatty molecules across cell membranes. When this newly discovered function goes haywire due to genetic mutations, noise-induced damage, or certain medications it may be what kills the delicate sensory cells in our ears, causing permanent hearing loss.