Patient Acceptance of Novel Therapeutic Options for Sensorineural Hearing Loss—A Pilot Study

Abstract

ObjectivesNumerous preclinical experiments over the past years have shown the potential of novel therapeutic approaches for sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) that are now awaiting clinical translation. In this pilot study, we aimed to evaluate the patient acceptance of these future innovative therapies in individuals with SNHL.Study DesignCross-sectional exploratory pilot study.SettingTertiary care academic hospital.PatientsIn total, 72 individuals (43 female and 29 male, 59 affected subjects and 13 parents) with different types of SNHL were surveyed between May 2020 and November 2020.InterventionThe interest/willingness to consider new therapeutic options (viral vectors, stem cells, CRISPR/Cas) for themselves or their children was assessed with the help of a questionnaire, and the answers were matched with a quality-of-life score and sociodemographic as well as clinical characteristics.Main Outcome MeasureAcceptance of new therapeutic strategies for SNHL in a representative population.ResultsEven with the currently associated treatment uncertainties, 48 patients (66.7%) suffering from SNHL stated that new therapies could be a potential future option for them. Half of these (24 individuals; 33.3%) expressed high acceptance toward the novel strategies. Subjects with a positive attitude toward new therapies in general and viral vectors specifically were significantly older.ConclusionWith two-thirds of patients affected by SNHL expressing acceptance toward novel therapies, this pilot study highlights the importance of investigating such attitudes and motivates further translational research to offer additional treatment strategies to this patient population.