Of mice and men (and myosins); the myosin - molecular motor is necessary for hearing in humans and mice - a review of DFNB3 and shaker; mouse models and progress in human deafness research; physical maps as molecular tools to identify disease genes; gene therapy for the treatment of hearing disorders; transmitters in the chochlea - ATP as a neuromodulator in the organ of corti; adaption to deafness in a Balinese community.