British girl has hearing restored as first patient on new gene therapy trial

Opal Sandy, who was born completely deaf because of a rare genetic condition (Andrew Matthews/PA)

By Jane Kirby, PA Health Editor

A British girl has had her hearing restored after becoming the first person in the world to take part in a groundbreaking new gene therapy trial.

Opal Sandy, aged 18 months, was born completely deaf due to the condition auditory neuropathy, which is caused by the disruption of nerve impulses travelling from the inner ear to the brain.