US researchers in Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital have begun a groundbreaking trial to test the potential of umbilical cord blood transplants, a kind of stem cell therapy, to treat and possibly reverse hearing loss in infants. Acquired hearing loss is a hearing loss that appears after birth. The hearing loss can occur at any time in one's life, as a result of an illness or injury. This first-of-its-kind intervention is researching the ability of UCBSC to stimulate cellular repair and restore hearing.

Human umbilical cord blood is an available, autologous, stored progenitor cell population available for potential therapeutic use. Pre-clinical data suggests progenitor cell infusions may enhance intrinsic repair mechanisms in the Organ of Corti (in the inner ear) which may restore hair cells. This treatment could ultimately lead to hearing improvement.

The primary objective of this study is to determine the safety of autologous UCB infusion in children with acquired hearing loss. The secondary objective is to determine if functional, physiologic and anatomic outcomes are improved following UCB treatment in patient.

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