Have you seen my blog yet? All your answers are already mentioned there.
http://arep.med.harvard.edu/pdf/Aging/Izumikawa05.pdf
Genes already proven to work and improve 40+ db of hearing. However stem cells are way safer and if they work for me, I have no interest in genes.
The cost of stem cells is a fraction the cost of CI. There is plenty of evidence of stem cells regrowing hair cells in animals. We are seeing the same story in humans. 90% chance stem cells will give me some degree of improvement. If not, I lose nothing but several thousand. I am probably getting it in Nepsis. I have AIM messenger, you may leave a comment in my blog on your IM screename and we can discuss this more 
