 |
|
Biophysical method may help to recover hearing
August 29, 2008Scientists based in Switzerland and South Africa have created a biophysical methodology that may help to overcome hearing deficits, and potentially remedy even substantial hearing loss. The authors propose a method of retuning functioning regions of the ear to recognize frequencies originally associated with damaged areas. Details are published August 29th in the open-access journal PLoS Computational Biology.
Hearing loss is an increasingly important problem in societies of growing average age. The conventional hearing-aid and cochlear implant technology have only been partially successful in recreating the experience of the fully functioning ear.
A possible reason for the lack of success could be because the cochlea - the hearing sensor - must be fully embedded into the corto-cochlear feedback loop. While recent artificial cochleas have been developed that are extremely close to the performance of the biological one, the integration of artificial cochleas into this loop is an extremely difficult micro-surgical task.
In an attempt to circumvent this problem, the authors investigated the biophysics and bio-mechanics of the natural sensor. They have identified modifications that would enable the remapping of frequencies where the cochlea malfunctions to neighboring intact cochlear areas. This remapping is performed in such a way that no auditory information is lost and the tuning capabilities of the cochlea can be fully utilized.
Their findings indicate that biophysically realistic modifications could remedy even substantial hearing loss. Moreover, with a recently designed electronic cochlea at hand, the changes in the perception of hearing could be predicted.
The surgical procedures needed to establish the authors' suggested biophysical corrections have not yet been developed. Recently developed lasers could play a prominent role in these surgical procedures, similar to their role in correcting deficits for another important human sensor, the eye.
http://dx.plos.org/10.1371/journal.pcbi.1000161
Public Library of Science
In an attempt to circumvent this problem, the authors investigated the biophysics and bio-mechanics of the natural sensor. They have identified modifications that would enable the remapping of frequencies where the cochlea malfunctions to neighboring intact cochlear areas. This remapping is performed in such a way that no auditory information is lost and the tuning capabilities of the cochlea can be fully utilized.
Their findings indicate that biophysically realistic modifications could remedy even substantial hearing loss. Moreover, with a recently designed electronic cochlea at hand, the changes in the perception of hearing could be predicted.
The surgical procedures needed to establish the authors' suggested biophysical corrections have not yet been developed. Recently developed lasers could play a prominent role in these surgical procedures, similar to their role in correcting deficits for another important human sensor, the eye.
http://dx.plos.org/10.1371/journal.pcbi.1000161
Public Library of Science
Science News and Science Current Events Tag Cloud
This tag cloud is a visual representation of term frequencies of random science news topics with common terms grouped together and emphasized by their display size.
Tonsillectomy Taste DNA repair Alcohol Addiction Allergies Hydrothermal Vents Wildfire Language Dolphins Genome Smallpox Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Health Care Climate models Permafrost Anthropology Folic Acid Virtual Reality Fibromyalgia Fossil Neutron Cell Phone Beta-catenin Neandertal Search Engine
See More: Science News Tags
Hearing Loss Current Events and Hearing Loss News RSSCommon antibacterial treatment linked to sensorineural hearing loss in cystic fibrosis patients
An otherwise effective treatment for cystic fibrosis places patients at a high risk of sensorineural hearing loss, according to new research published in the July edition of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery.
Singapore nanotechnology combats fatal brain infections
Doctors may get a new arsenal for meningitis treatment and the war on drug-resistant bacteria and fungal infections with novel peptide nanoparticles developed by scientists at the Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (IBN) of Singapore and reported in Nature Nanotechnology.
Got ear plugs? You may want to sport them on the subway and other mass transit, researchers say
The U.S. mass transit system, the largest in the world, provides affordable and efficient transportation to more than 33 million riders each weekday. The system is generally considered one of the safest modes of travel. But recent public health studies have identified several sources of environmental hazards associated with mass transit, including excessive noise, a large and growing problem in urban settings.
Inner ear balance disorders common, associated with falls among older Americans
An estimated 35 percent of U.S. adults age 40 and older have vestibular dysfunction (inner ear balance disorders), and those who do may have a higher risk of falling.
Age-related difficulty recognizing words predicted by brain differences
Older adults may have difficulty understanding speech because of age-related changes in brain tissue, according to new research in the May 13 issue of The Journal of Neuroscience.
UCLA scientists discover ultrasonic communication among frogs
UCLA scientists report for the first time on the only known frog species that can communicate using purely ultrasonic calls, whose frequencies are too high to be heard by humans.
Stanford researcher's discovery of ion channel turns ear on its head
Scientists thought they had a good model to explain how the inner ear translates vibrations in the air into sounds heard by the brain. Now, based on new research from the Stanford University School of Medicine, it looks like parts of the model are wrong.
Researchers find lack of key molecule leads to deafness
Researchers have identified tiny molecules that may lead to big breakthroughs in the treatment of hearing loss and deafness.
Scaling the Wall of Deafness
Despite modern medicine, one in 1,000 American babies are born deaf. The numbers increase markedly with age, with more than 50% of seniors in the United States experiencing some form of hearing loss.
New insights into progressive hearing loss
In parallel studies in human and mouse, two groups of researchers have come to the same conclusion: that a new kind of gene is associated with progressive hearing loss.
More Hearing Loss Current Events and Hearing Loss News Articles
 |
Baby Boomers And Hearing Loss: A Guide to Prevention And Care by John M. Burkey (Author) Baby boomers have always had high expectations. As a generation, they have worked hard and played hard. They have been distinguished for their trendsetting and active lifestyles. As they move into their senior years, this ambitious constituency of 76 million Americans continues to demand a lot from life, and to offer much as well. Compared with every generation that preceded them, baby boomers are anticipated to continue professional careers later into their retirement years, engage in more vigorous activities, and live significantly longer. Their lifestyles make learning to prevent and treat hearing loss—a disability that used to be considered an unfortunate but inevitable aspect of aging—more important than ever. In Baby Boomers and Hearing Loss, audiologist John Burkey shows... |
 |
A Quiet World: Living with Hearing Loss by Professor David G. Myers (Author) How do millions of people cope with hearing loss? How can medicine and technology help? In this engaging and practical book, social psychologist David G. Myers explores the problems of the hard of hearing from a first-hand perspective. He offers advice for those with hearing problems and their families and friends as well as hopeful information on new technology and surgical procedures. |
 |
The Praeger Guide to Hearing and Hearing Loss: Assessment, Treatment, and Prevention by Praeger Publishers More than 31 million people in the United States alone suffer from hearing loss - that is one in every 10 people in the current population. Of those, only five to 10 percent can be treated medically, leaving the largest number in need of other solutions. It is for those people that veteran audiologist Susan Dalebout wrote this comprehensive guide. The book explains, with a simple overview of hearing anatomy and physiology, how we hear, and details hearing evaluation tests, the interpretation of those tests, and the conditions that most commonly cause hearing loss in adults. All things related to adult hearing loss are explained, as is a full menu of hearing rehabilitation services, devices, and technology. This text includes discussion of the importance of hearing in our lives, the... |
 |
NaturalCare HearAll, Supports Optimal Hearing Function, 60 Capsules by NaturalCare "I can't hear you." Hearing is the 2nd most common health concern! HearAll is specifically designed with break-through ingredients that support hearing clarity, auditory sensitivity and circulation, protects cells from free radical damage and maintains hearing cell longevity. |
 |
Children with Hearing Loss: Developing Listening and Talking Birth to Six by Elizabeth B. Cole and Carol A. Flexer (Author) Written by Drs Cole and Flexer in response to the crucial need for a comprehensive text dedicated to the thorough training of professionals working with babies and young children who have hearing loss, Children withHearing Loss: Developing Listening and Talking Birth to Six provides a framework for the skills and knowledge necessary in helping parents promotespoken language development through listening in their young children who are deaf or hard of hearing. |
 |
GE 29568GE1 Dect 6.0 Corded Big Button Phone for Mild Hearing Loss (White) by General Electric See and Hear. Loud and Clear. Designed exclusively for the special needs of mild hearing loss and visual impairment. |
 |
Save Your Hearing Now: The Revolutionary Program That Can Prevent and May Even Reverse Hearing Loss by Michael D. Seidman (Author), Marie Moneysmith (Author) After 20 years of research, leading otolaryngologist Dr. Michael Seidman has developed a breakthrough all natural alternative treatment program to battle hearing loss safely and effectively. Using a specifi c combination of antioxidants, diet, exercise, and basic lifestyle changes, Dr. Seidman's program can help to prevent--and possibly reverse--hearing loss. The book offers a simple self-assessment test that identifies the type, severity, and prognosis of hearing loss, comprehensive advice on diet and supplements, and natural remedies and important lifestyle changes that can make a difference. This is the ultimate resource providing answers--and hope--to the millions of hearing impaired. |
 |
GE DECT 6.0 Accessory Handset for 29111AE1 and 29115AE1 Amplified Phone for Moderate-Severe Hearing Loss (Model# 29110AE1) ***Please Note***: This Model can be used with the 29111AE1 and 29115AE1 Only. Features: * GE DECT 6.0 Accessory handset * For use with the 29111AE1 and 29115AE1 * Digitally enhanced cordless technology, or DECT, features a dedicated bandwidth that avoids interference from the electronics found around your home for interference free communication and encrypted security * Caller ID, call waiting caller ID * Backlit LCD * Amplified volume up to 40dB (amplifies the volume of the call) * Silver |
 |
I'm Sorry, Can You Repeat That? Understanding Hearing Loss and How Emerging Technology Will Revolutionize Its Care with Robert K. Jackler, MD, Professor and Chairman, Stanford Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery Department Hearing loss is a condition that affects millions of people annually, and it has a variety of causes. This talk focuses on the most common kinds of hearing loss and the most current and revolutionary ways they are being treated. |
 |
'HeLPS: Hearing Loss and Prosthesis Simulator' by Sensimetrics Corporation HeLPS: Hearing Loss and Prosthesis Simulator is designed for a variety of uses by audiologists. In pediatric audiology, HeLPS gives parents insight into their childs hearing loss and the improvements possible with appropriate aid or implant options. In adult aural rehabilitation, HeLPS provides hearing aid candidates with a preview of amplification and the options available with hearing aids. In family counseling, HeLPS demonstrates to family members the communication difficulties faced by their loved one, the importance of lipreading and speaking clearly for assistance in communication, and the improvements that are possible with hearing aids or cochlear implants. In hearing conservation and public education, HeLPS heightens awareness of the effects of hearing loss and thereby promotes... |
| © 2009 BrightSurf.com |