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Chemotherapy drug puts young children with cancer at high risk of hearing loss

A new study by UBC researchers found that chemotherapy drug cisplatin is more likely to cause hearing loss in young children, particularly those under five years old. The study, published in Cancer, shows that the hearing of these children is impacted early during treatment and is affected to a greater extent than older children.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalCancer·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 7, 2021

Genetic variant linked to hearing loss in children treated with common chemotherapy drug

A genetic variant in the TCERG1L gene has been identified as a risk factor for cisplatin-induced hearing loss in children with cancer, increasing the risk by three times. The finding could lead to predictive tests to inform treatment decisions and advance pediatric cancer care.

SourceUniversity of Alberta Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry·Journalnpj Precision Oncology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 27, 2021

Study finds women with osteoporosis and low bone density are at increased risk of hearing loss

Researchers from Brigham and Women's Hospital analyzed data from nearly 144,000 women and found a 40% higher risk of moderate or worse hearing loss in those with osteoporosis or low bone density. Bisphosphonates did not alter this risk, suggesting that other factors may contribute to the development of age-related hearing loss.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateMay 24, 2021

Researchers pinpoint possible way to prevent permanent hearing loss caused by cancer drug

University of Alberta scientists have identified Toll-like receptor 4 as a potential target for preventing permanent hearing loss caused by the chemotherapy drug cisplatin. By inhibiting this receptor, they may be able to eliminate toxic side effects from the drug that cause hearing loss in childhood cancer survivors.

Association between hearing loss, physical activity

A study analyzed the association between hearing loss and level of physical activity among U.S. adults aged 60 to 69. The findings suggest a significant positive correlation, indicating that lower levels of physical activity may be associated with an increased risk of hearing loss in older adults.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateApr 19, 2021

Chemotherapy and hearing loss: Until now, an unquantified risk

The largest multi-center study of cisplatin-induced hearing loss reveals that permanent hearing loss occurs in 20-90% of patients, with higher doses and vincristine use increasing risk. The study establishes benchmarks for the prevalence of hearing loss and provides insights into how adjusting dosing approaches can minimize side effects.

SourceChildren's Hospital Los Angeles·JournalThe Lancet Child & Adolescent Health·DateFeb 11, 2021

Disposable surgical masks best for being heard clearly when speaking, study finds

Researchers found that disposable surgical masks provide the best acoustic performance among tested masks, reducing high-frequency sound muffle and allowing speech to be heard clearly. Loosely woven cotton masks also perform well but may not block respiratory droplets as effectively.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalThe Journal of the Acoustical Society of America·DateDec 23, 2020

Technology lets clinicians objectively detect tinnitus for first time

A new study published in PLOS ONE describes the use of functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to objectively detect tinnitus. The technology revealed differences in brain connectivity between people with and without tinnitus, and accurately differentiated patients with mild from moderate/severe cases using machine learning.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 18, 2020

COVID-19 is making tinnitus worse -- new study

A new study found that COVID-19 is making tinnitus worse in 40% of cases, with internal and external factors contributing to the increase in symptoms. Tinnitus affects an estimated one in eight adults in the UK, and the pandemic has made it more difficult for people to access healthcare support for the condition.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalFrontiers in Public Health·DateNov 5, 2020

COVID-19 news from Annals of Internal Medicine

A new study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that a substantial number of overdose deaths were misclassified as sudden cardiac deaths, leading to grossly underestimated national estimates of the opioid overdose burden. Meanwhile, another study provides real-world recommendations for overcoming telemedicine challenges with...

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·DateAug 10, 2020

Asthma among children with developmental disabilities

The study found that asthma was significantly more common among children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and vision, hearing, or speech delays. Children with these conditions were nearly twice as likely to have asthma compared to their non-disabled peers.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJun 16, 2020

Study links hearing aids to lower risk of dementia, depression and falls

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...

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateSep 5, 2019