Lefebvre, Müller et al. present initial clinical findings with a totally implantable cochlear implant, where the components of the audio processor have been integrated into a single implanted device. This device shows similar performance characteristics to a conventional cochlear implant.

Deafness is the most common form of sensory impairment in humans and frequently caused by defects in hair cells of the inner ear. Here authors demonstrate that in a mouse model for recessive non-syndromic deafness (DFNB6), inactivation of Tmie in hair cells disrupts gene expression in the neurons that innervate them, suggesting treatment modalities for deafness may require restoration of the function of both hair cells and neurons.

By using a supporting cell promoter, the authors show that transient expression of Atoh1 drives regeneration and maturation of hair cells in the mature mouse vestibular organs, with transcriptomes similar to maturing type II hair cells.

Morphometric modeling reveals evolutionary divergences of the otolithic inner ear in humans and apes, with a possible link to the evolution of postural behavior.

Hearing and balance are rescued by a synthetic virus that delivers a transgene to the inner ear of neonatal mice.

The endocochlear potential in a guinea pig's ear is captured and used to run a low-power radio.