 |
|
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
Hearing Loss Current Events and Hearing Loss News RSS'Escaped' proteins add to hearing loss in elderly, UF researchers find
Age-related hearing loss is the most common sensory disorder among the elderly. But scientists are still trying to figure out what cellular processes govern or contribute to the loss.
Squeak, squeak -- can you hear me now?
What do you get when you cross a mouse with poor hearing and a mouse with even worse hearing? Ironically, a new strain of mice with "golden ears" - mice that have outstanding hearing as they age.
Global death toll: 1 million premature babies every year
More than one million infants die each year because they are born too early, according to the just released White Paper, The Global and Regional Toll of Preterm Birth.
Scripps research scientists identify genetic cause for type of deafness
A team led by scientists from The Scripps Research Institute has discovered a genetic cause of progressive hearing loss.
Researchers report gene associated with language, speech and reading disorders
A new candidate gene for Specific Language Impairment has been identified by a research team directed by Mabel Rice at the University of Kansas, in collaboration with Shelley Smith, University of Nebraska Medical Center, and Javier Gayán of Neocodex, Seville, Spain.
Taking up music so you can hear
Anyone with an MP3 device -- just about every man, woman and child on the planet today, it seems -- has a notion of the majesty of music, of the primal place it holds in the human imagination.
Anti-angiogenesis treatment improves hearing in some NF2 patients
Treatment with the angiogenesis inhibitor bevacizumab improved hearing and alleviated other symptoms in patients with neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2).
Common 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.
More Hearing Loss Current Events and Hearing Loss News Articles
 |
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. |
 |
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 29579BE1 Amplified Corded Phone for Moderate-Severe Hearing Loss with Large Buttons & Caller ID by Thomson GE, Corded Desktop Phone, Cid, Call Waiting, 40 Dbh A, 3 Band Equalizer, Alified Volume, Alified Base Speaker Telephone, 3 Bane Equalizer For Tone Control, Vibrating Alert, Emergency Call Buttons, Braillle On Keypad, Hearing Aid Compatible. |
 |
Duracell DA13B12W 1.4-Volt Zinc Air Hearing Aid Batteries, Size 13, 12-Count Packages (Pack of 2) by Duracell DURACELL is a global marketer of hearing aid batteries. When you need reliable, long lasting power for your hearing aid, use a DURACELL hearing aid battery. Introducing DURACELL Hearing Aid Batteries with EASYTAB -- The world's first easy to use hearing aid batteries. New EASYTAB makes changing your hearing aid batteries as easy as 1-2-3. Easy to open package, Easy to remove the batteries & Easy to insert the battery into your hearing device. |
 |
Baby Boomers and Hearing Loss: A Guide to Prevention and Care by John 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... |
 |
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 |
 |
RECHARGEABLE HEARING AID by Get Organized Standard and Rechargeable Hearing Aides lightweight personal sound amplifier maximizes the natural ability to hear sounds and conversations. Designed to fit either ear. Rechargeable lasts up to 12 hours, requires one battery (included). Standard features discreet mode, on/off switch, volume control, 3 various ear tips, 5 replacement batteries, storage cases, and cleaning brush. |
 |
'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... |
|
Causes of Hearing Loss (Films for the Humanities & Sciences FFH 5364) | |
 |
BMV Quantum Subliminal CD Improve Hearing: Audio Hearing Loss Aid (Ultrasonic Subliminal Series) Program your subconscious mind to improve your hearing. Create amazing results using state-of-the-art subliminal and brainwave entrainment technologies. Tune your brainwaves to specific frequencies by listening to this CD! Program your subconscious mind for positive lasting results, created by a Certified Hypnotherapist and NLP Practitioner (Neuro-Linguistic Programming). Silent affirmations, inaudible hypnotic suggestions and thousands of powerful subliminal messages program your subconscious mind for positive results. The first 3 tracks have an ocean background. The Silent Ultrasonic Track 4 is completely silent with no sound at all! BMV exclusive Quantum Subliminal Matrix Technology sets a new standard for the subliminal industry! BMV has merged existing subliminal neurotechnology with... |
| © 2009 BrightSurf.com |