[Future cure of hearing disorders? Gene therapy and stem cell implantation are possible new therapeutic alternatives].

Hearing loss is a very common disorder; nearly 10 per cent of the population is affected. Recently, a few findings such as the roles of neurotrophins, nitric oxide, reactive oxygen species and glutamate receptors in the peripheral hearing system have been highlighted. In this review, focus is set on possible mechanisms of peripheral hearing disorders, and on recent advances to prevent and treat hearing loss. Clinically useful treatment strategies, especially gene therapy and the use of embryonic stem cells, are particularly stressed.