A recent report from the World Health Organization has pretty sobering news for many teens and young adults. Slightly more than a billion of them are at risk of hearing loss due to the unsafe use of personal audio devices, specifically earbuds that go into the ear canal rather than hang over the ear, and exposure to damaging levels of sound at noisy entertainment venues such as nightclubs, bars and sporting events.

            Medical science has traditionally thought this hearing loss to be permanent. But a doctor at The University of Kansas Hospital and University of Kansas Medical Center is testing a procedure that may reverse that damage. Dr. Hinrich Staecker says the trial represents 16 years of research, and has now enrolled six patients, including several who are part of the dose escalation stage of the trial.

            The video includes sound from Rob Gerk, the first patient in the world to undergo the procedure, video from the surgery, and video of the follow-up exam with Gerk and Dr. Staecker.