SCIENTISTS think they may be able to reverse deafness after re-growing inner ear hair cells.

These cells, which convert sound vibrations into electrical signals, are killed off by age or noise damage — and mammals cannot regenerate them.

But a US team was able to renew them after lab-testing a theory that birds’ “growth factors” could be manipulated to give a similar result in mammals.

Prof Patricia White, of Rochester University, said the research could lead to “restoration of hearing”.

She said: "Our research is focused on finding a way switch the pathway temporarily, in order to promote both regeneration of hair cells and their integration with nerve cells, both of which are critical for hearing.

"The process of repairing hearing is a complex problem and requires a series of cellular events.

"You have to regenerate sensory hair cells and these cells have to function properly and connect with the necessary network of neurons.

"This research demonstrates a signalling pathway that can be activated by different methods and could represent a new approach to cochlear regeneration and, ultimately, restoration of hearing."