Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of transducing mammalian cochlear cells, more preferably, cochlear hair cells and support cells. The method involves the delivery of adeno-associated virus (AAV) to a target mammalian cochlear cell. The AAV comprises DNA which is exogenous to the AAV and a promoter operatively linked to the DNA. Preferably, the promoter is a cell specific promoter, e.g., hair cell or support cell specific promoter, and the AAV is serotype 1, 2, 6, or a mixture of two or more serotypes. The present invention also relates to compositions comprising modified AAV useful in transducing specific cochlear cells.