Advancements in bioprinting for the treatment of hearing loss: A review

Abstract

Hearing loss is a prevalent worldwide health concern, characterized by structural or functional abnormalities in any part of the ear resulting in varying degrees of auditory dysfunction. Despite significant progress, there exists a notable deficiency in reliable and safe therapeutic interventions for addressing hearing loss. Bioprinting, a novel method in the realm of advanced tissue engineering, exhibits significant potential in addressing ear-related ailments. This technology provides a wide range of repair mechanisms specifically designed to address the distinct anatomical and functional requirements of the outer ear, middle ear, and inner ear, potentially leading to advancements in the treatment of different types of hearing loss. Furthermore, bioprinting holds promise for producing tissue constructs that are both anatomically accurate and functionally suitable, potentially revolutionizing the current treatment landscape. Nevertheless, thorough research and development efforts are necessary to fully harness the capabilities of bioprinting and establish it as a widely accepted treatment option for hearing loss.