Stem cell-based approaches: Possible route to hearing restoration?

Figure 1 Factors to be considered regarding the use of exogenous cells to replace damaged cochlear cell types. The ultimate fate of implanted exogenous cells, regarding their survival, differentiation towards desired cell phenotypes, their migration to relevant locations in the cochlea and central auditory targets, and their physical and functional integration within the host tissue, strongly depends on a variety of factors such as the type of donor cell, its differentiation status and differentiation potential, the route of implantation and the host micro-environment, among others.