Advances in pathogenesis, novel therapeutic strategies and interventions for age-related hearing loss

Age-related hearing loss (ARHL), or presbycusis, represents one of the most prevalent sensory dysfunctions in the elderly people. It is characterized by progressive hearing deterioration that significantly impairs quality of life and increases the risk of comorbidities including cognitive impairment, depression, and social isolation....

✦ Clinical Takeaway ✦

No immediate practice change warranted — this is a narrative review of emerging therapies for age-related hearing loss, most of which remain preclinical or early-stage; useful for staying current on the research landscape.

✦ Why It Matters ✦

Age-related hearing loss is the most common sensory impairment in older adults, and a comprehensive review of emerging therapeutics signals how close the field may be to moving beyond hearing aids and cochlear implants as the primary interventions.

✦ Key Points ✦

01Review covers pathogenesis (biological causes) of presbycusis (age-related hearing loss) including oxidative stress, genetic factors, and cochlear cell degeneration.
02Summarises novel therapeutic strategies: gene therapy, stem cell approaches, antioxidants, and pharmacological agents.
03Published in Frontiers in Molecular Neuroscience — a peer-reviewed but open-access journal with variable impact.
04Most reviewed therapies remain preclinical; direct clinical application is not yet established.
05Highlights growing biomedical interest in disease-modifying treatment for hearing loss, beyond conventional amplification.

✦ Claims & Evidence ✦

ClaimEvidenceSupport

Emerging therapeutic strategies including gene therapy and stem cell approaches show potential for treating age-related hearing loss.

studypartially supported

Oxidative stress, genetic factors, and cochlear cell degeneration are key drivers of presbycusis pathogenesis.

studysupported

✦ Research metadata ✦

PMID: 42293047
DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2026.1848164.
Journal: Frontiers in Molecular Neuroscience
Publication type: review
Evidence level: 5
Population: Literature on age-related hearing loss (presbycusis) pathogenesis and therapeutics
Intervention: Review of novel therapeutic strategies for age-related hearing loss

Primary outcomes

Pathogenesis mechanisms of presbycusis; Efficacy of emerging therapeutic interventions for age-related hearing loss

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