Articles tagged with Hearing Loss
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 new study using OCT imaging revealed that nerve fibers in the inner ear adjust sound levels and compensate for hearing loss. In healthy mice, cochlear activity remained stable, but in mice with genetic hearing loss, cochlear function increased to enhance sensitivity.
A study published in the Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics Plus found that the prevalence of older Americans without disabilities increased from 61% in 2008 to 65% in 2017. This represents a significant improvement, with an additional 2.07 million older Americans potentially having had disabilities if trends had remained constant.
Researchers from Lancaster University found a significant link between hearing impairment and an increased risk of developing Parkinson's disease. The study analyzed data from the UK Biobank, revealing a 57% higher risk for every 10-decibel increase in baseline hearing loss.
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 have identified the gene DYRK1A as a key driver of 'glue ear' in people with Down syndrome, a middle ear condition commonly known as otitis media with effusion. The discovery paves the way for future targeted therapies to address hearing loss in patients.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve and Mass Eye and Ear aim to prevent hearing loss by protecting inner-ear cells from damage caused by noise exposure. They will study the effects of calcium overload on cochlear hair cells and identify novel therapeutic targets to treat acquired hearing loss.
A new project at the University of Kansas aims to examine medical ableism and its effects on health outcomes among people with disabilities. The study will gather information directly from individuals with disabilities through the National Survey on Health and Disability.
Researchers aim to shed light on how hearing impairment affects auditory perception, particularly in complex environments. They will use animal models to examine neural mechanisms contributing to difficulties in sound localization.
Researchers found that non-invasive stereotactic radiosurgery significantly improves tumor control and reduces symptoms such as tinnitus, cranial nerve deterioration, and vestibular dysfunction. Early treatment can prevent tumors from growing over time and spare patients from irreversible problems.
Researchers found that vagus nerve stimulation can improve sound discrimination in mice, suggesting a potential new approach to treating hearing disorders. The technique may also speed up hearing improvements from cochlear implants, enabling implant recipients to communicate more effectively.
A researcher has developed a novel drug delivery system that transports medications to the inner ear to prevent cisplatin-induced hearing loss. The system uses hydrogels and nanoparticles to deliver drugs that block calcium damage or protect hair cells, showing promising results in early-stage studies.
A new imaging device that combines optical coherence tomography (OCT) with traditional otoscopy improves diagnostic capabilities for hearing clinics. The integrated device provides detailed views of the eardrum and middle ear, enabling more accurate diagnoses and treatment.
A new poll finds that over 30% of people in their 50s and early 60s provide care to at least one person with a health issue or disability, while 1 in 10 juggle taking care of three or more people. The majority of caregivers are caring for someone with a physical disability or mobility problem, followed by memory or thinking issues.
Researchers successfully increase inner ear synapses in young mice to produce supranormal hearing, supporting a hypothesis on the cause of hidden hearing loss in humans. The study suggests that preserving or increasing synapses may improve auditory processing and offer new treatment options for certain hearing disorders.
A study by researchers at the University of South Florida found that 78% of testicular cancer survivors experience significant difficulties with everyday listening situations, leading to a reduced quality of life. The research highlights the need for regular auditory evaluations to manage and mitigate long-term hearing damage caused by...
A new study published in Science Advances documents the first case of Down syndrome in Neandertals, named 'Tina', and reveals that they provided extensive care for a young child with severe hearing loss. The discovery sheds light on the existence of true altruism among Neandertals.
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...
A recent study demonstrates that radiomics can effectively forecast the hearing status of patients with vestibular schwannoma. The research team isolated specific radiomics features from MRI images that best predict hearing status, offering an objective method to predict patient outcomes.
Researchers found that middle fossa craniotomy significantly improved hearing preservation and quality of life for patients after removing an acoustic neuroma. The study showed excellent facial nerve outcomes in 94% of patients, while 68% preserved their hearing.
The American Academy of Otolaryngology has published a new clinical practice guideline for age-related hearing loss, which affects approximately 466 million people worldwide. The guideline provides evidence-based recommendations for identifying and managing ARHL in patients 50 years and older.
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 study of 2,349 participants aged over 60 found that sex influences the association between various factors and age-related hearing loss. Low weight was linked to increased risk in males, while both low weight and obesity were associated with higher risks in females. Smoking was only linked to increased risk in males, while early mens...
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have discovered a molecular mechanism behind noise-induced hearing loss, which affects millions of Americans. They found that excess zinc in the inner ear causes cellular damage and disrupts normal cell communication, leading to hearing loss.
The Sound Check study found nearly 38 million Americans suffer from bilateral hearing loss, with rural areas having the highest rates. The study's map shows that occupational exposure to noise in retail and restaurant settings contributes to hearing loss, especially at age 35.
A systematic review of 14 peer-reviewed studies found that video gamers are exposed to high sound levels, often exceeding permissible safe limits. The authors urge greater public health efforts to raise awareness of potential risks, as there were over 3 billion gamers worldwide in 2022.
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-scale German-wide randomized controlled trial found that high-dose therapy with glucocorticoids is not more effective than standard treatment for sudden hearing loss. However, it was associated with a higher risk of side effects. Several hundred thousand people worldwide suffer from sudden hearing loss each year.
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 University of Florida scientists reveals that chronic ear infections can lead to deficits in auditory processing and language development in children years later. Children with multiple ear infections before three years old had smaller vocabularies and difficulty matching similar sounding words.
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 NSF-funded project, MABLE, is developing a digital app using crowdsensing, AI, and robotics to empower individuals with responsive maps and turn-by-turn instructions. The app aims to improve accessibility and navigation for persons with visual or mobility impairments, such as those with low vision and wheelchair users.
A new study by Mass Eye and Ear researchers reveals that individuals with tinnitus experience auditory nerve loss not detected by conventional hearing tests. This discovery provides a better understanding of the origins of tinnitus and offers hope for future treatments and potential cures.
Researchers linked hearing loss to microstructural differences in auditory areas of the temporal lobe and frontal cortex. The study suggests that compensatory brain changes may lead to increased dementia risk, and interventions like subtitles or speech-to-text apps could protect against this.
A study by Colorado State University found that redlined communities experience higher maximum noise levels, detrimental effects on urban ecosystems, and increased human health risks like hearing loss and stress. The research highlights the need for equitable planning and noise mitigation to benefit both people and wildlife.
Researchers developed a system to capture sound waves in enclosed spaces like theaters and concert halls, converting them into electrical energy. This reduces the risk of hearing loss and promotes an environmentally friendly power management feature.
The American Academy of Pediatrics warns that children are exposed to potentially harmful noise from infancy, with cumulative effects over a lifetime. Families can reduce risk by limiting exposure to loud music, using protective earmuffs, and advocating for reduced noise spaces in childcare settings.
A new technique for mapping the human auditory pathway has been developed, providing valuable insights into treating profound hearing loss. The study found lower nerve fibre density in children with profound SNHL, and highlighted the importance of early interventions to improve long-term outcomes.
Researchers found that phytosterols can reverse age-related hearing loss in mice by replenishing cholesterol in sensory cells. The study suggests that these plant-based compounds could be a convenient way to combat age-related hearing loss.
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.
Researchers developed innovative techniques to treat challenging cancers and manage therapy side effects. Inhibitors targeting PRMT5, a histone-modifying enzyme, alleviated cisplatin-induced hearing loss, while nano-pills delivered combination drugs to liver cancer cells.
Researchers from Osaka University found that fibroblasts in cholesteatoma tissues express activin A, a protein causing local bone erosion. This discovery may lead to new treatments for managing cholesteatomas.
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.
A recent study suggests that increasing omega-3 intake, particularly docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), may help reduce the risk of hearing problems in middle-aged adults. The study found that individuals with higher DHA levels were less likely to experience age-related hearing issues.
Researchers identify genes that directly influence what we eat and find foods that can boost brain health and protect the planet. New insights into genetic basis for food preferences could help improve personalized nutrition.
A Brazilian study compared treatments for idiopathic and refractory tinnitus, finding low-level laser therapy with photobiomodulation to be the most effective. The treatment had lasting therapeutic effects when combined with other therapies.
A new study at Tel Aviv University found that older bats do indeed suffer from age-related hearing loss, but at a relatively slow rate compared to humans. The researchers believe that bats have developed special adaptations to cope with their noisy environment, which could provide insights into human hearing loss.
A recent study from Michigan Medicine suggests relief may be possible for individuals with tinnitus, a condition characterized by ringing or hissing sounds. The innovative bi-sensory treatment device improved quality of life and reduced tinnitus loudness in nearly 70% of participants.
Researchers at Beckman Institute found fetal exposure to PCBs made it harder for mice to recover from sound-related trauma. Oxidative stress appears to be key mediator of the effect, suppressing auditory system's ability to heal.
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 have created a drug-like cocktail that successfully regenerated hair cells in a mouse model by reprogramming genetic pathways within the inner ear. The approach could lead to clinical trials for a gene therapy that can be administered to people with hearing loss, potentially treating up to 90% of cases.
Researchers found that bats lose their hearing in old age due to exposure to high noise levels in their colonies. The study suggests that bats may have evolved adaptations to cope with these noisy environments, which could provide insights into human age-related hearing loss.
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.
Researchers found pronounced delays in brainstem responses to sounds among newborns later diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. This delay may be linked to limited access to sound frequencies and difficulties integrating sensory streams, ultimately affecting social interactions and communication.
Scientists identify ERBB2 pathway as key to promoting regeneration of cochlear hair cells, a crucial step towards treating hearing loss. The study's findings offer new hope for restoring auditory function after damage in mammals.
Researchers from the University of Southern Denmark have found a correlation between traffic noise and the risk of developing tinnitus. The study, which analyzed data from 3.5 million Danes, suggests that exposure to high levels of traffic noise increases the risk of tinnitus by up to six percent.