Articles tagged with Hearing Aids
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A new study published in Neurology found that using hearing aids was associated with a lower risk of dementia but little impact on cognitive test scores among older adults with moderate hearing loss. The study suggests that hearing aid use may support brain health and reduce the risk of cognitive impairment.
The UCF Health Mobile Health Clinic provides free high-quality healthcare services to underserved communities, serving as a real-world classroom for medical and nursing students. The clinic aims to reduce preventable conditions and improve long-term health through comprehensive screenings, chronic disease monitoring, and education.
The study found that countries with the highest reported prevalence of hearing loss, such as China and South Korea, also had the lowest levels of hearing aid use. Conversely, adults in Northern Europe, USA, and Western Europe were most likely to report using a hearing aid. Men were generally more likely than women to report difficultie...
A recent study published in JAMA Neurology suggests that using hearing aids can lower the risk of developing dementia, particularly in individuals under age 70. This finding highlights the importance of early intervention for hearing loss and its potential role in preventing age-related cognitive decline.
A recent study reveals that nearly 60% of people with hearing loss feel embarrassed or uncomfortable sharing their struggles, while professionals often focus on stigma around hearing aids. The research highlights the need to challenge outdated stereotypes and encourages open conversations about hearing loss.
Research suggests that linear amplification can improve vocal emotion recognition in individuals with mild-to-moderate sensorineural hearing loss. The study found that amplification across all sound levels can enhance the ability to recognize emotions in voices, particularly in middle-aged and older adults.
A systematic review and meta-analysis reveals that adults with hearing loss can enhance social engagement and functional outcomes by using hearing aids or cochlear implants. The study suggests that these devices should be encouraged for individuals with hearing loss to potentially improve their quality of life.
The University of Oldenburg has secured funding for three research clusters: Hearing4all, Ocean Floor, and NaviSense. These clusters aim to improve hearing loss prediction, diagnosis, and treatment, as well as animal navigation research. The funding enables the continuation of high-quality research with social relevance.
A randomized clinical trial found that over-the-counter and audiologist-assisted services yielded similar outcomes to prescription hearing aids. High-end and low-end hearing aids showed comparable results, challenging the need for higher-cost high-end models.
A new study found that providing hearing aids and advice on their use can help preserve social connections in older adults, reducing loneliness. The study showed that those treated for hearing loss retained one additional social connection over a three-year period compared to those who received no treatment.
A study found that 17% of newly arrived immigrants in Sweden reported hearing conversation difficulties, with over half experiencing established hearing problems. The study highlights the crucial role of hearing in language acquisition and social integration for this population.
A new type of hearing aid using an array of micro-epidermal actuators can significantly improve the hearing experience for patients with conductive hearing loss. The device uses vibrations on the skin behind the ear to bypass the ear canal and directly reach the inner ear, enhancing sound quality and control.
A team led by University of Rochester professor Edmund Lalor aims to understand how the brain processes audiovisual information to improve speech comprehension for individuals with cochlear implants. They will use noninvasive electroencephalography (EEG) brainwave measurements to study how people respond to multisensory speech.
Researchers at MIT and Mass Eye and Ear have developed an implantable microphone that performs as well as commercial external hearing aid microphones. The tiny sensor measures miniscule movements on the underside of the ear drum using a biocompatible piezoelectric material, overcoming a major challenge in fully internal cochlear implants.
A study by Åsa Winzell Juhlin from the University of Gothenburg found that all participants over 90 had hearing loss, with 80% requiring hearing aids. The research emphasizes the importance of addressing hearing health in this age group for physical and mental well-being.
Research suggests that using hearing aids can help mitigate the acceleration of brain metabolism decline in individuals with mild cognitive impairment. The study found significant annual metabolic decline in frontal cortical regions among those with untreated hearing loss, whereas those with treated hearing aids experienced no such dec...
Scientists at TIBI employed AI to enhance the design and production of nanofibers used in acoustic energy harvesters, resulting in higher power density and energy conversion efficiency. The AI-generated nanofibers produced better performance than conventionally fabricated devices.
A multicentre observational study found socioeconomic and ethnic disparities in access to cochlear implantation among UK adults. Men, those living in deprived areas, and Asian/Black individuals were less likely to be referred for the procedure, highlighting disparities in healthcare access.
A new app, MindEar, has shown promising results in reducing tinnitus symptoms in just weeks through a combination of cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and relaxation exercises. The app is now available for individuals to trial on their smartphones, offering hope for millions affected by tinnitus.
A major new study has found a significant link between hearing loss and the development of dementia. People with severe hearing loss are at a higher risk, with a 20% increased likelihood of developing dementia compared to those with normal hearing.
A large study of over 573,000 people found that hearing loss is associated with a higher risk of dementia, particularly among those not using hearing aids. The study suggests that hearing aid use may help prevent or delay the onset and progression of dementia.
A new study from USC Health Sciences shows that hearing aid use is associated with a lower risk of death, with regular users having a 24% lower risk than never-users. The study suggests that improved mental health and cognition through better hearing may promote overall health and longevity.
A new study from MIT shows that computational models trained on auditory tasks display an internal organization similar to the human auditory cortex. Models trained on diverse tasks and background noise more closely mimic brain activation patterns.
Researchers found that hard-of-hearing listeners prefer louder levels of lead vocals compared to normal listeners. They also tend to prefer higher frequencies and sparser mixes with fewer frequencies overall.
A study published in JAMA Network Open reveals nearly ubiquitous bilateral hearing loss among older US individuals, with increasing severity and low hearing aid use. The findings highlight the need for more precise measures of hearing loss to address this growing health concern.
The study uses neural recordings and computer modeling to show that phonetic information is encoded differently when speech stands out versus being drowned out. This finding could help develop more accurate hearing aids.
Researchers successfully demonstrate AAV vector efficacy in aged animal models, showing robust hearing rescue in mice with a mutation equivalent to a defective human gene. The study suggests that virally mediated gene therapy could potentially treat genetic hearing loss, especially for patients diagnosed at advanced age.
Provision of over-the-counter hearing aids associated with greater uptake of hearing intervention and improved patient quality of life. The study found that OTC hearing aids are cost-effective when prices exceed $55 per device.
Researchers have found that hearing aid users are dissatisfied with the sound quality of music when using their hearing aids. However, some manufacturers' music programs have improved significantly. The team tested 200 recordings and found that two brands stood out in terms of music quality.
Researchers created 3D-printed talking heads to simulate conversations and assess acoustic properties. The project aims to improve human hearing algorithms and develop more realistic listening experiences.
A study examining the link between hearing aid use and dementia found that those using hearing aids had a lower risk of developing dementia compared to non-users. The study was retracted due to an error in data processing, which rendered the findings inaccurate.
A donation of nearly 120 rechargeable hearing aids has been made to address the hearing health care crisis among Ukrainian refugees in Poland. The Heart of Hearing team, led by King Chung, PhD, conducted a successful otoscopy exam and fitting session for approximately 66 individuals who needed hearing aids for the first time.
A new method for estimating sound direction using monaural cues has been proposed by researchers at Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology. The approach uses modulation in the frequency spectrum of the received signal to detect the signal direction, achieving accurate estimates even with human monaural hearing.
A new study found that older adults with moderate to severe hearing loss are more likely to develop dementia, but those using hearing aids have a lower risk. The study highlights the potential link between hearing loss and dementia, emphasizing the importance of improving hearing care access.
Researchers found that AirPods Pro performed similarly well as premium hearing aids in quiet environments and helped participants hear more clearly compared to no hearing aids. However, AirPods failed to improve hearing in noisy environments with sound coming from the front.
A study by researchers at Linköping University and the Oregon Health and Science University has discovered that many cells in the inner ear react simultaneously to low-frequency sound, making it easier to experience these sounds. This new understanding may lead to improved cochlear implants for people with severe hearing impairments.
A recent hearing test was associated with a lower risk of underreporting hearing loss and a greater likelihood of using hearing aids among older adults. The study found that individuals who had recently undergone a hearing test were more likely to be aware of their hearing loss and take steps to address it.
The Collaborative Research Centre Hearing Acoustics is developing smart hearing aids that use artificial intelligence to adjust to different environments. The project, which aims to create more adaptable hearing devices, has received $8.1 million in funding for another four years.
Researchers at Friedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena investigated how people with cochlear implants perceive vocal emotions. They found that the group with cochlear implants showed lower scores overall in recognizing emotional nuances, but some individuals could effectively utilize timbre to distinguish between fearful and angry voices.
Researchers at University of Rochester Medical Center found that the brain processes attended and unattended speech differently, converting attended speech into linguistic units for understanding. This study contributes to developing better wearable devices, such as hearing aids.
Researchers developed a flexible, self-powered device that translates sound waves into electrical signals, mimicking the inner ear's function. The device, implanted in a model ear, accurately recreated music files, offering a promising solution for treating hearing loss without batteries.
Researchers at KU Leuven developed a technique that uses brainwaves to determine within one second whom you're listening to. The system separates sound signals and links them to brainwaves, allowing for faster identification of the desired speaker.
Hearing loss experts advocate for FDA regulation of over-the-counter hearing aids, citing barriers to access and the need for evidence-based products. The authors recommend premarket testing and clearer distinctions between hearing aids and wearable sound amplification products.
A new ultra-affordable hearing aid called LoCHAid has been developed to combat age-related hearing loss, costing just $0.98 per unit. The device is designed to be marketable over-the-counter and can be repaired by minimally skilled users, making it accessible to those in low- and middle-income countries.
The ultra-low-cost LoCHAid device uses electronic filters to shape frequency response and is designed for easy manufacture and repair in low-income countries. It has the potential to provide sufficient value for users despite its limitations, particularly in comparison to luxury hearing aid options.
A new consensus statement recommends cochlear implants for adults with moderate to severe hearing loss, which can restore clarity and improve communication. The panel of experts emphasizes that these devices are not only for young children but also suitable for adults who have lost hearing later in life.
A promising new study by University of Melbourne researchers suggests that wearing hearing aids may delay cognitive decline in older adults. The study found significant improvements in executive function, working memory, and quality of life for participants aged 62-82 years with hearing loss.
A study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that older adults with newly diagnosed hearing loss who receive hearing aids have a lower risk of developing dementia, depression, and fall-related injuries compared to those who do not. The study, which analyzed data from nearly 115,000 Medicare beneficiaries, a...
A study of 114,862 older adults found that using hearing aids was linked to lower risks of Alzheimer's disease, anxiety, and injurious falls. The risk of these conditions was 18-13% lower for those who used hearing aids compared to those who did not.
A new study found that people who wear a hearing aid for age-related hearing problems maintain better brain function over time. The research suggests that wearing a hearing aid may mitigate the risk of dementia, with benefits seen in measures assessing working memory and attention.
A new brain-controlled hearing aid technology developed by Columbia engineers can identify and amplify the correct speaker in a crowded environment. The device uses artificial intelligence to monitor wearers' brain waves and boost the voice they want to focus on, solving the 'cocktail party problem' that modern hearing aids struggle with.
A new study reveals an association between hearing loss and higher risk of subjective cognitive concerns, suggesting early stage changes in cognition. Men with mild, moderate, or severe hearing loss experienced a 30%, 42%, and 54% increased risk of cognitive decline compared to those with no hearing loss.
A study of 1,133 Medicare participants found that lower-income individuals with hearing aids face significant barriers to accessing hearing care services. Only 58% of high-income users received such services in the prior year, highlighting the need for expanded coverage and easier access.
Cognitive decline was slowed after patients underwent cataract surgery and adopted hearing aids. The rate of decline was halved following cataract surgery and 75% less following the adoption of hearing aids, according to researchers at the University of Manchester.
A national study reveals significant gaps in hearing aid use among Americans over 55, with non-Hispanic whites, college-educated individuals, and those with higher incomes more likely to have a hearing aid. The cost of hearing aids is a major barrier, but having VA insurance coverage levels the playing field.
A new study finds that older adults with severe hearing loss who use hearing aids are less likely to visit the hospital or emergency room, despite high costs of the devices themselves. The association is significant, even considering factors such as income and education level.
Researchers at Binghamton University have developed a new type of microphone that uses spider silk to improve directional sensing across a wide range of frequencies. The study, led by Professor Ron Miles and graduate student Jian Zhou, found that the fine fibers are able to pick up velocity rather than pressure of air waves.
The federal government does not require Medicaid to cover hearing aids, resulting in inconsistent coverage across states. Inconsistencies exist due to varying guidelines, with some states requiring moderate or greater hearing loss for coverage.
Researchers at Columbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science have made a breakthrough in auditory attention decoding (AAD) methods, bringing cognitively controlled hearing aids closer to reality. The new system can automatically separate individual speakers from a mixture, determine which speaker the user is listening t...
Researchers found that three of the OTC devices offered improvements in speech understanding comparable to a conventional hearing aid. However, one device demonstrated little improvement and another had worse results. The study's findings support efforts to make hearing aids more accessible through over-the-counter sales.