What if we could treat hearing loss before it appears on a standard audiogram?
In a recent episode of This Week in Hearing, Celia Belline, CEO and co-founder of Cilcare, was invited by host Brian Taylor to discuss emerging therapeutic strategies for hidden hearing loss, a condition that affects the synapses between hair cells and auditory nerve fibers, often escaping detection through conventional hearing tests.
Celia highlighted the development of CIL001, Cilcare’s lead compound, designed to treat early synaptic damage in the inner ear, a hallmark of cochlear synaptopathy. A Phase 2A clinical trial is planned to launch later this year, focusing on individuals with type 2 diabetes, a population at increased risk for early auditory nerve degeneration.
The conversation explored:
- Why patients with “normal” audiograms may still experience significant hearing difficulties
- How early synaptopathy contributes to tinnitus and problems hearing in noise
- The potential of targeted therapeutics to address root causes rather than just symptoms
“We’re not just treating hearing loss — we’re aiming to intervene before it becomes irreversible,” Celia emphasized during the interview.
We warmly thank Brian Taylor for inviting Celia to join This Week in Hearing, and the entire HHTM team for producing this valuable platform. Their work helps raise awareness and foster important discussions in the hearing health community.
👉 Watch the full interview now!
About This Week in Hearing and HHTM
This Week in Hearing is a weekly video and podcast series hosted by Hearing Health & Technology Matters (HHTM)—a leading independent platform that brings together thought leaders in audiology, hearing science, and hearing care technology. Through interviews, research insights, and industry commentary, HHTM aims to spark innovation and improve outcomes in hearing health globally.
