A new research collaborative study by Sensorion and UConn Health, presented at the 53rd American Neurotology Society Annual Spring Meeting, revealed the first potential biomarker for noise-induced hearing loss.

The research team analyzed blood samples to check the level of serum prestin. The severity of hearing loss would be dependent upon the level of prestin circulated in the blood associated with the changes in an outer hair cell protein.

Dr. Kourosh Parham, associate professor and director of research in UConn Health's Division of Otolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery stated, "Noise-induced hearing loss is a devastating condition that significantly affects patients' quality of life; working with Sensorion to arrive at these results has been an opportunity to introduce the field of ontology to a new potential biomarker candidate for the future possible early diagnosis of hearing loss in patients before their condition becomes severe."

Nawal Ouzren, chief executive officer of Sensorion said, "The collaboration of Sensorion with UConn Health's Division of Otolaryngology has resulted in the discovery of a potentially vital biomarker for the early diagnosis of hearing loss; as with many diseases, the earlier clinicians can diagnose a disease, the better our chances for effective intervention. Sensorion intends to integrate measuring prestin in the clinical trial of its lead compound SENS-401."