Take Two – A New Poll on Stem Cell Cure
As a result of my previous post on stem cell which included a poll, several commenters made suggestions on improving the poll. No matter how I cut it, it’s still not going to be a valid poll. This will give us a general idea of what might be the mindset of many deaf out there in terms of getting a cure for our hearing from stem cell.
Again, this is the best that I could come up with.
If you have questions about stem cell cure for hearing loss, be sure to send them on to Deafdude . He says he will try to get answers and put them up on his Q & A site.
If you are interested in reading the latest blog posts or discussions about stem cell cure for hearing, check out Karen’s blog, Kokonut’s site, and Neuro09’s blog.
And, now…Take Two on this Poll…..
Take care in reading every question before choosing one that fits you the best.
There are three steps to determine where you fit in.
First is to determine whether you fit in with ‘born deaf or hard of hearing’, ‘deaf or hard of hearing after birth – up to 5 yrs old’ OR ‘late deafened’
Second, you’ll need to determine whether you are ‘deaf of deaf’ or “deaf of hearing’, which would indicate whether your parents are deaf or hearing. In the case where you might have one of each, pick whichever you relate to the best.
Third, you’ll need to choose whether you will go for the stem cell cure, will NOT, or might.
It would get so complicated if I were to add whether one uses ASL, oralize or cues.
Thank you for voting!
This is my vote:
Born deaf or hard of hearing. Deaf of hearing. I would go for stem cell cure 42% (5 votes)
I am 100% oral, know no sign language and everyone in my family is hearing. Ive never been involved in Deaf culture. I see no reason why I can’t or shouldn’t get stem cells.
Deafdude
November 11, 2009
I’m born deaf or hard of hearing, deaf of deaf, I would go for stem cell cure. 5% 1 vote (that’s me!) Wow, am I a rarity?
I’ve been HOH all my life, I hear pretty well with the aid of hearing aids, I value my hearing too much. I am involved in the deaf community to some degree and work and live in the hearing community. My deaf family supports me. I have hearing kids and they support my choice too.
Gamas
November 11, 2009
Looks like up to 65% of those who voted would likely end up taking adult stem cell treatments to cure their hearing loss.
mcconnell
November 13, 2009
When I said “65%” that includes those who would take the stem cell cure and those who may take the cure.
mcconnell
November 13, 2009
After thinking about it and talking to others, I question the validity of the stem cell article.
kim
November 13, 2009
I was unsure a ‘cure’ is there as yet, these articles appeal to most deaf desperate for a cure. As I pointed out before, after near 40 years deaf would it work for me ? We don’t rally have the information as yet. I think gamas was conned into splitting up by catagory, divide and rubbish support for a cure ! the question is simple enough, do you want to hear or don’t you ? I’d go with 70% saying yes overall, perhaps 95% of those with poor hearing already or have acquired a deafness would vote yes too. It is pointless dragging culture into it, as most sectors are non-cultural.
MM
November 13, 2009
MM, I know, It’s so hard to please everyone. Agreed with you on dragging culture into this. But, I can compare the two polls I did and definitely think that at least 50 percent (or more) would or might go for it.
I responded to http://www.repairstemcells.org
and received information saying that treatment is available. For me, I’d have to go to Mexico. Now, I’m not sure how valid it is, but, I’m looking into it further. Cost is 9K for trip and treatment. I would much prefer to have it done in the USA.
Gamas
November 13, 2009
Looks like there’s gonna be a wait if one wants to have stem cell treatment for hearing loss in the USA.
FDA-approved clinical trials have yet to take place for such treatment in USA and those take several years before stem cell treatment for deafness can become standard. I’d rather that such treatment will be regarded as safe and without a lot of bad side-effects. By then the treatment perhaps will have a less exorbitant cost as well.
Ann_C
November 13, 2009
Ann_C, I dunno if you checked Mike’s post and saw the comments there regarding fast tracking, but, there is such a thing as fast tracking FDA approval. Not sure how one goes about making sure that this can happen with stem cell. Agreed with you regarding safe treatment and less side effects. However, what can go wrong when you use your own blood cord/stem cell? Other than worst case scenario where you have hairs growing in places you don’t want it to. (I know, this is farfetched)
Gamas
November 13, 2009
2/3 of people in the poll have not ruled out stem cells as an option. Many Deaf of Deaf aren’t interested in stem cells. Would be interesting to see their results, but Deaf culture plays a big part in that.
I also got an email, part of the email says: Just to let you know how the aforementioned patients will be treated: The Nepsis (Mexico) treatment center will directly implant a small number of stem cells in the cochlea including pure cord blood stem cells and bone marrow derived stem cells primed to become hair cells, along with a micronized powder that has been shown to regenerate various tissues in animals and humans. This procedure will be done by a highly accomplished and experienced ENT doctor who has a wealth of experience doing various successful surgeries and implants in the inner ear.
Deafdude
November 14, 2009
I never usually take any notice of ’surveys’ of the deaf re cures or alleviations, there is no real point unless a real ‘cure’ is apparent. THEN we will sort out the political and cultural from the need. “I would never take a ‘cure’ sector always say this, because at the back of it all, there is no real cure….yet ! As with all research and various attempts at alleviations, there will be success’s and failures, this is acceptable risk, it’s advance, nothing we have today, did not cause ructions and oppositions years ago.
MM
November 14, 2009