Articles tagged with Hearing Loss
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.
Researchers generated cochlear avatars from stem cells, recreating hair cell function and transmitting electrical signals. This breakthrough enables the investigation of sensorineural hearing loss mechanisms and potential treatments.
A recent study found that genomic testing can identify genetic causes of childhood hearing loss and provide critical information on its clinical characteristics. The researchers detected variants responsible for hearing loss in 43 different genes, and the severity of hearing loss varied by gene.
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.
A recent study published in Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology has found that the unique checkerboard pattern of cells in the organ of Corti is essential for proper hearing. The researchers discovered that when hair cells adhere to each other abnormally, it leads to apoptosis and a decrease in hair cell numbers, resulting in h...
A study by Johns Hopkins Medicine researchers suggests that the brain's ability to focus on individual sounds amidst ambient noise declines with age, leading to a 'fuzzy' sound stage. The team trained old mice to filter out background sound, showing promise for treating age-related hearing loss.
A multidisciplinary team of researchers discovered hearing impairment in a novel preclinical model of autism spectrum disorder. The study highlights the importance of considering sensory organs and their interactions with the brain in understanding ASD.
A large Finnish study of 5.5 million residents found no evidence of an increased risk of sudden sensorineural hearing loss following COVID-19 vaccination. The study controlled for previous disease and other potential confounding factors, providing reassurance about the safety of COVID-19 vaccines.
Researchers have discovered a way to promote hair cell regeneration in mature animals using cell reprogramming with transcription factors ATOH1, GFI1, and POU4F3. This approach has shown promise for advancing the treatment of long-term hearing loss.
A new study published in JAMA Neurology found that using hearing aids can decrease the risk of cognitive decline by 20%. The study, conducted by researchers at NUS Medicine, analyzed data from over 130,000 participants and found a significant association between hearing aid use and reduced cognitive decline. The findings suggest that t...
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 pooled data analysis estimates that 24% of teens and young people engage in unsafe listening practices from personal listening devices and 48% attend loud music venues. This translates to a potential risk of hearing loss for 0.67-1.35 billion young people worldwide.
A recent study of 4.8 million children with otitis media found that socially disadvantaged kids were less likely to receive treatment, increasing their risk of complications and hearing loss. The findings highlight the need for equitable access to ear infection treatment for all children.
Dr. Liberman's research on cochlear synaptopathy has significantly impacted our understanding of the underlying causes of hearing loss, with implications for developing new treatments and sensitive tests. His work has also led to the development of therapies for treating hidden hearing loss.
Researchers at OHSU have revealed the structure of the key part of the inner ear responsible for hearing, a long-standing mystery. The discovery could lead to new treatments for hearing impairments affecting over 460 million people worldwide.
Researchers at Indiana University School of Medicine have identified the autophagy pathway in hair cells linked to permanent hearing loss caused by aminoglycosides. The study developed laboratory models with reduced RIPOR2 expression, which did not exhibit hair cell death or hearing loss when treated with antibiotics.
Digital health technology enables quality healthcare access regardless of location, monitoring individuals exposed to excessive noise or ototoxic medication. Researchers explore how telehealth can facilitate the prevention of permanent hearing loss and close the gap on hearing health disparities.
A new study published in Frontiers in Medicine found that around 30% of people with long COVID experience a decreased sense of smell, with 29.9% reporting persistent anosmia after 12 weeks. Researchers also discovered an elevated prevalence of blurred vision and hearing-related symptoms after three months.
The American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) has selected top research presentations for its 2022 Annual Meeting & OTO Experience. These include groundbreaking studies in otology, laryngology, endocrine surgery, and head and neck surgery.
A new mobile-phone-based therapy has shown clinically significant improvements in patients with tinnitus, offering a promising alternative to existing treatments. The therapy involves a personalized approach combining digital tools and audiologist assessment, with 65% of participants reporting an improvement in just 12 weeks.
A new study from North Carolina State University explores the connection between hearing loss and dementia in geriatric dogs. The study found that as hearing deteriorated, dogs' ability to perform tasks declined significantly. Cognitive scores related to vitality and companionship were also negatively impacted.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found tinnitus prevalence to be over 740 million adults worldwide, with 120 million reporting it as a significant issue.
A study published in Molecular Therapy — Methods & Clinical Development shows that delivering the protein EPS8 via gene therapy can rescue malfunctioning inner ear hair cells that transduce sound. In mice affected by recessive deafness, EPS8 increases stereocilia length and restores hair cell function.
Researchers at Mass Eye and Ear have received a five-year, $12.5 million grant to study cochlear synaptopathy, or hidden hearing loss, which can cause neural degeneration behind normal audiogram measurements. The team aims to understand its causes, identify it in patients with traditional hearing loss, and develop future therapies.
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.
A study by researchers at Uppsala University found that crocodiles can regenerate their hair cells due to the activation of support cells and efferent nerves. This discovery may lead to new treatments for people with impaired hearing, who affect over 1.2 billion worldwide.
Researchers developed a word-score model to estimate the amount of hidden hearing loss, or cochlear nerve damage, in humans. The model uses average speech scores as a function of age from nearly 96,000 ears examined at Mass Eye and Ear.
Scientists review recent experiments and find noise regulations may need to be changed to protect marine mammals from pile driving noise. The current guidance is 7 years old and may not provide sufficient protection for species like harbor porpoises and seals.
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 have identified 10 new genes linked to hearing loss, casting doubt on the understanding that age-related hearing impairment originates mainly from sensory hair cells. The study suggests that the stria vascularis, a part of the cochlea in the ear, is a new target for treatments to help people with hearing loss.
A new study found that half of older adults with both hearing and vision impairment have serious cognitive decline, compared to 28% with only vision impairment. The study highlights the importance of considering sensory impairments in identifying those at risk for cognitive decline.
Scientists have discovered a master gene that programs ear hair cells into either outer or inner ones, enabling the development of these cells to restore hearing. This breakthrough could provide a previously unavailable tool to create specific hair cells and improve treatments for age-related hearing loss.
A novel surgical approach and synthetic viral vector Anc80L65 successfully delivered genetic cargo to the inner ear of nonhuman primates, paving the way for a potential treatment for hearing loss and vestibular disorders. The study's findings suggest that this method could be translated to humans.
Researchers investigated whether COVID-19 led to a worsening of tinnitus symptoms, but found no significant difference in severity. Despite this, the pandemic can exacerbate anxiety and stress, potentially affecting individuals with tinnitus.
Researchers developed a machine learning model that provides good predictions for human speech recognition in noisy environments, benefiting hearing-impaired listeners. The model outperformed expectations and showed strong correlations with measured data.
A new longitudinal study found that frequent use of NSAIDs or acetaminophen, as well as regular use of COX-2 inhibitors, is associated with a higher risk of developing chronic persistent tinnitus. Low-dose aspirin use did not elevate risk, but moderate-dose aspirin use was linked to higher risk among women under 60.
Studies using magnetic resonance imaging found a correlation between decreased blood flow in specific brain areas and tinnitus severity. Researchers at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign explored these links to better understand the causes of tinnitus.
Researchers from Karolinska Institutet developed a novel method to diagnose constant tinnitus using auditory brainstem responses (ABR). The study found that people with occasional tinnitus are at increased risk of developing constant tinnitus, while those with existing constant tinnitus are more likely to experience persistent symptoms.
A novel gene delivery technique has successfully restored hearing in mice with a mutated STRC gene, which is the second most common genetic cause of hearing loss. The approach could be used to deliver other large genes and may provide a broad window of opportunity for treatment from babies to adults.
Researchers used ultra-high-resolution CT to assess new bone formation in 123 patients with cochlear implants. New bone formation was detected in 83% of patients and correlated with long-term residual hearing loss. The findings highlight the need for improved detection and monitoring methods.
Genetic variants at 67 genomic regions were found to contribute to increased risk of age-related hearing loss. Visualized proteins reveal molecular components critical for sound conversion and transmission.
A study found that adults with sensory impairment experienced a decline in emotional well-being during the pandemic due to lack of social interactions. Researchers hope to develop hybrid solutions for remote access and clear communication.
A recent study found that Black older Americans have significantly better hearing than their White counterparts, with a prevalence rate of 9.4% compared to 15.4% among Whites. The study suggests potential explanations for this difference, including diet and noise exposure.
Researchers found that exposure to common loud sounds causes fluid buildup in the inner ear, leading to hearing difficulty. Treating this buildup with hypertonic saline may help prevent or reverse nerve damage and save hearing.
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.
A VCU study found that 4 out of every 5 COVID-19 survivors regain their sense of smell and taste within six months, with younger adults more likely to recover. Those with nasal congestion are more likely to recover their sense of smell, while those with head injuries or shortness of breath have a lower likelihood.
A small study found that a wireless kit, comprising headphones and an app, may be a cheap alternative to traditional treatment of 'glue ear' in kids. The kit enables remote monitoring of hearing at home, reducing clinic visits and potentially avoiding surgery in many cases.
Scientists identified several FDA-approved drugs, including metformin and inhaled anesthetics, that may prevent or treat noise-related hearing loss. The study analyzed changes in gene expression in mouse ears after damage caused by loud noise.
The study found that electronic prompts can increase awareness of hearing loss among patients and improve clinician buy-in for referrals. Clinicians reported prioritizing the prompts during annual visits and resulting in more conversations with patients about hearing loss.
The article highlights the need for financial and technological support to enable effective interprofessional teams in primary care. The authors suggest training community members to serve their communities and exploring how diversity impacts patient care outcomes. They also advocate for innovative payment models that allow primary car...
Researchers developed lab-grown cochlear organoids to screen FDA-approved drugs for hair cell-inducing properties. The study identified Regorafenib as a potent stimulator of hair cell formation, even regenerating lost cells in mouse tissues.