Viagra offers clues to reversing rare gene-linked hearing loss

Scientists have identified a specific gene mutation, CPD, responsible for a form of inherited sensorineural hearing loss present in multiple families. This discovery opens new avenues for potentially reversing this type of deafness, which results from damage to the inner ear's sound-converting hair cells.

Experiments revealed that this gene mutation reduces key substances like arginine and nitric oxide, leading to hair cell stress and death. Crucially, supplementing with arginine and even using sildenafil (Viagra) in laboratory settings and animal models helped restore nitric oxide levels and reverse some of the damage.

While these findings are significant, researchers and outside experts stress that Viagra is not a recommended treatment for hearing loss due to risks like sudden hearing loss and tinnitus. Further studies are essential to explore safe and effective human therapies for this condition.