Articles tagged with Hearing Loss
A new Global Burden of Disease study found that people are spending more years living with chronic disease and disability as global life expectancy increases. The analysis revealed that high-income countries face the widest morbidity gaps, while women consistently live longer but spend more years in poor health.
Charaziak's research aims to better understand how the healthy cochlea processes complex sounds and how that processing changes in hearing loss. The project will investigate two key properties of the cochlea: nonlinearity and dispersion, which shape sound perception.
Researchers at Rice University develop a new way to model the cochlea's sound processing using graph signal processing, identifying broader functional relationships between sensory cells. The model, called GSP Cochlea, performs better in detecting signals in noise and may hold the key to personalized device settings for hearing aids.
Adults with both epilepsy and hearing loss who use hearing aids have a 23% lower risk of developing dementia. The association was observed consistently across all analyses, suggesting that correcting hearing impairment may have a greater impact on dementia risk in people with reduced cognitive reserve.
Stevie Nicks has made a major gift to establish the Stevie Nicks and Joseph Sugerman, MD, Endowed Chair in Otolaryngology, honoring Dr. Sugerman's impact on patients and the field of ENT. The chair will be held by Michael M. Johns, MD, director of the USC Voice Center.
A team of researchers from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology conducted a study on 28 individuals who experience an unexplained buzzing or humming sound. The investigation tested two hypotheses: measuring the sound waves from human-made infrastructure and industry, as well as those produced by nature itself.
A recent study published in JAMA examines the effectiveness of hearing aids for adults with mild to moderate hearing loss, highlighting the benefits and limitations of both prescription and over-the-counter devices. The research suggests that personalized fitting and follow-up care are crucial for optimal outcomes.
A major new study has found that severe asthma patients are often battling other health conditions, with nearly all suffering from at least one major issue. The study identified three distinct profiles linked to how well asthma is controlled and the treatments needed, offering potential breakthroughs for improving care.
Research finds that textured walls can improve speech clarity for deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals by controlling sound travel. The study developed a patterned wall design that can be tailored to different room shapes and sizes using 3D printing, offering personalized acoustic performance.
Researchers developed meta-earplugs with Helmholtz resonators to address low-frequency sound issues. The earplugs use precise tuning of reflected sound waves to relieve pressure and increase protection.
A new international study shows that gene therapy targeting the OTOF gene successfully restored hearing in most participants, with significant improvements in speech perception and language skills. The treatment remained safe and effective for up to 2.5 years, offering new hope for individuals with inherited deafness.
A new study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found a link between elevated serotonin levels and tinnitus behavioral symptoms. The research suggests that clinicians should recognize and validate patient reports of medication-associated increases in tinnitus when prescribing antidepressants like SSRIs.
A study by the University of Turku reveals that assistance dogs actively contribute to their human's care through continuous interpretation and trust. They anticipate health status, provide mobility assistance, and offer emotional support in ways that humans cannot.
A study by Concordia University found that individuals with hearing loss exhibit worse dual-task performance, including slower walking and less stable gait. Exercise and cognitive training can improve these outcomes, but the effects vary by sex and severity of hearing loss.
A comparative effectiveness study found that lower music volume levels in group fitness classes did not significantly impact perceived exercise intensity. The research suggests implementing safer sound practices and increased awareness on hearing protection to minimize the risk of noise-induced hearing loss.
A study by St. Jude Children's Research Hospital found that radiation therapy contributes to hearing loss in children treated for brain tumors, leading to greater cognitive decline. Children with severe hearing loss experienced a more significant decline in cognitive measures compared to those without.
Research finds a specific link between hearing loss and cognitive decline in presbycusis, a neurodegenerative disorder. The Functional-Structural Ratio (FSR) identifies reduced connections between brain areas involved in sound processing and memory, associated with worse hearing thresholds and poorer performance on memory and executive...
A new study found that nearly one in five adults with tinnitus have had to reduce their working hours or leave employment due to the condition. The research also revealed that targeted interventions, such as cognitive behavioural therapy, can improve work productivity and overall wellbeing.
The USF Health Institute for Voice and Hearing Innovation is a state-of-the-art facility that combines clinical research and comprehensive patient care for voice, hearing and swallowing disorders. Every patient becomes a research partner, driving innovations from lab to real-world clinical practice.
Researchers identified over 200 distinct mutations associated with congenital deafness, including new and family-specific variants. The study provides guidance on communication methods and supports regular ophthalmological follow-up.
The Hearing Protection Optimization Tool translates acoustic and psychoacoustic factors into clear visuals, helping users compare different hearing protection devices. The tool matches users with regulatory-approved HPDs based on their noise environment and preferences.
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.
A federally funded study by Mass General Brigham investigators found that self-reported vision problems and traumatic stress are experienced years after strangulation in women who have experienced intimate partner violence. The study identified three major subgroups: strangulation alone, altered consciousness, and full loss of consciou...
The Framingham offspring study found that approximately 10% of participants experienced significant hearing loss over a 25-year period, with the prevalence increasing with age. The study suggests that early detection and intervention may help prevent or slow the progression of hearing loss.
International experts have established guidelines for gene therapy in hereditary hearing loss, emphasizing patient-centered care and respect for diversity. The guidelines outline frameworks for clinical trials, including patient selection criteria, surgical procedures, and safety evaluations.
A study of 5.4 million older Americans found that internal migrants have significantly better health outcomes than those who remain in their birth state. Those from abroad also showed a stronger health advantage when education levels were taken into account.
Researchers identified a gene mutation in CPD associated with rare congenital hearing loss, which disrupts the inner ear's sensory cells. Two potential approaches were found to improve cell survival and reduce hearing loss: arginine supplements and sildenafil.
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...
Researchers have introduced a novel gene therapy method to treat impairments in hearing and balance caused by inner ear dysfunction. The treatment, utilizing an advanced AAV vector, prevents hair cell degeneration and preserves normal hearing and balance.
Scientists have successfully kept a tiny sliver of the mammalian cochlea alive and functional outside the body for the first time. The innovation allowed them to capture the live biomechanics of the cochlea's remarkable auditory powers, including exceptional sensitivity and sharp frequency tuning.
Researchers developed a one-time gene editing treatment that restored hearing and balance in adult mice with DFNA41, a genetic form of progressive deafness. The therapy successfully disabled the harmful mutation while preserving the normal gene, leading to long-term hearing and balance restoration.
A large-scale study from the University of Michigan and University of Minnesota found no association between musical training and enhanced neural processing of sounds at early stages of auditory processing. Musicians demonstrated no greater ability to process speech in background sounds or changes in pitch than non-musicians.
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.
Researchers adapted optical coherence tomography (OCT) to visualize tiny structures in the human inner ear, correlating fluid levels with a patient's degree of hearing loss. The findings may help clinicians diagnose and treat hearing loss more quickly and effectively.
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.
Researchers have created a more efficient and controlled method to produce lab-grown inner ear hair cells, offering new hope for hearing loss research. The innovative approach uses a doxycycline-inducible transcription factor system, significantly increasing efficiency and reducing time compared to existing methods.
Scientists at the Stowers Institute for Medical Research identified two distinct genes that regulate regeneration of sensory cells in zebrafish. The discovery may guide future studies on hearing loss and regenerative medicine in mammals, including humans.
A study published in Neurobiology of Disease found that melanin degradation is impaired in genetically engineered mice lacking the SLC26A4 gene, leading to chronic inflammation and macrophage activation. The researchers propose a novel pathological cascade where melanin accumulation exacerbates hearing loss in pigmented individuals.
A study from the University of Southern California found that adults with hearing loss who used hearing aids or cochlear implants were more socially engaged and felt less isolated compared to those who didn't use them. The researchers also found that these devices can help reduce loneliness and improve social quality of life.
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.
A new study conducted at Karolinska Institutet reports that gene therapy improved hearing in all ten patients with congenital deafness or severe hearing impairment. The treatment was well-tolerated and showed remarkable results, with the majority of patients recovering some hearing after just one month.
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 large-scale UK biobank study found that loneliness increases the risk of hearing loss, with a 24% higher risk for lonely individuals compared to non-lonely counterparts. The study also identified distinct pathways through which loneliness contributes to hearing loss, including inflammation and chronic diseases.
The USPSTF recommends early, universal screening for syphilis infection during pregnancy to prevent congenital syphilis. Untreated syphilis can cause premature birth, low birth weight, and stillbirth in the fetus.
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 study on Brazilians in their 50s found that those with hearing loss experienced faster cognitive decline than expected for their age. This highlights the importance of addressing hearing health to prevent dementia, which is a growing concern worldwide.
A study found significant communication barriers in NHS care for patients who are deaf or have hearing loss, with many missing half or more of crucial information. The research team recommends improvements, such as better access to British Sign Language interpreters and accessibility accommodations.
A cohort study of 1,787 adults found significant differences in hearing loss prevalence among white male individuals (highest) and Black female individuals (lowest). The study highlights the importance of tailored interventions to reduce hearing loss risk across populations.
A study published in Science Translational Medicine found novel biomarkers for tinnitus that correlate with nervous system's 'fight, flight, or freeze' response. Facial movements and pupil dilation measured while listening to unpleasant sounds can predict tinnitus severity.
Tablet-based hearing tests were found to be feasible and acceptable in routine family medicine, with 27% of screened patients showing some level of hearing impairment. The study suggests that these tests may help general practitioners diagnose hearing disorders more accurately.
A new brain-inspired algorithm developed at BU can help hearing aids tune out interference and isolate single talkers in a crowd of voices. In testing, researchers found it could improve word recognition accuracy by 40 percentage points relative to current hearing aid algorithms.
A cohort study found that hearing loss is associated with an increased risk of incident dementia in older adults. Treating hearing loss may help delay dementia onset for a large number of people, suggesting potential benefits for dementia prevention.
A cross-sectional study found that 55.6% of individuals with hearing impairment experienced communication difficulties caused by others wearing face masks during the pandemic. Those with daily support and older adults were less affected, while those who went out more or had more severe hearing loss reported greater difficulty.
Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have developed a method to track the development of cells in the nervous system and inner ear. The technique, known as ectoderm barcoding, reveals that cells in the inner ear develop from two main types of stem cells.
Researchers at Waseda University developed a new technique using terahertz imaging to visualize the internal structure of the mouse cochlea with high resolution. The study successfully demonstrated the potential of THz imaging as a non-invasive diagnostic tool for auditory disorders and other medical applications.
Researchers have developed a non-invasive method to visualize the internal details of the mouse cochlea with micron-level spatial resolution using terahertz imaging. This technique has the potential to lead to a new diagnostic method for ear diseases and enable on-site diagnosis of hearing impairments.
A new eNeuro study explores how competing sounds affect subcortical brain activity, revealing increasingly smaller responses as multiple speech streams are introduced. This finding has implications for understanding hearing loss and difficulties with auditory processing in noisy environments.
A Cambridge study highlights the need for India to recognize its own sign language, Indian Sign Language (ISL), as a constitutional right. The study also calls for increased investment in education and training programs for deaf and hard-of-hearing students, including more schools and higher education institutions.