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Scientists identify new gene responsible for puberty disorders

Researchers at Medical College of Georgia identified a new gene, chromodomain helicase DNA binding protein 7 (CHD7), responsible for some puberty disorders, including idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (IHH) and Kallmann syndrome. The study found that CHD7 mutations account for about 6% of IHH and Kallmann syndrome cases.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateOct 27, 2008

Study examines prevalence of hearing loss in the US

A study published in Archives of Internal Medicine found that approximately 29 million Americans have speech frequency hearing loss, while an estimated 55 million have high-frequency hearing loss. The prevalence of hearing loss varies by age, gender, and ethnicity, with men being more likely to experience it.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateJul 28, 2008

Evidence lacking to guide treatment for sudden hearing loss

A systematic review and meta-analysis found little to no scientific evidence supporting the use of steroids or other therapies for treating sudden sensorineural hearing loss. The study suggests that systemic steroids may not be the gold standard of treatment due to severe limitations in existing studies.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery·DateJun 18, 2007

Clinical factors of tinnitus influence perceived loudness and annoyance

A study analyzing data from a mail survey found that tinnitus perceived loudness and annoyance are influenced by clinical factors like duration, consistency, and hearing loss. Most patients with severe tinnitus experience high levels of distress, especially men, older adults, and those with co-existing conditions.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery·DateDec 18, 2006

St. Jude finds clues to hearing loss from chemotherapy

Researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital have identified 17 families of mice with genetic mutations that cause hearing loss, similar to damage caused by chemotherapy and age-related hearing loss in adults. The mouse models will help scientists understand the genes responsible for this damage and potentially develop treatments.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 22, 2006

Aspirin shows promise in combating a common, antibiotic-induced hearing loss

Researchers found that aspirin significantly reduces the risk of hearing loss when paired with gentamicin, a commonly used antibiotic. The study, conducted in China and published in the New England Journal of Medicine, showed a 75% lower incidence of hearing loss in patients given aspirin compared to those receiving placebos.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateApr 26, 2006

JRRD special issue on hearing and hearing loss

Recent advances in middle-ear function evaluation provide rapid data on health, while prevention programs can reduce noise-induced hearing loss. New research also addresses the impact of aging on hearing, tinnitus management through progressive intervention approaches, and hair cell regeneration for restoring hearing.

SourceVeterans Affairs Research Communications·JournalThe Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development·DateFeb 6, 2006

Hearing loss in older adults may compromise cognitive resources for memory

A recent study published in Current Directions in Psychological Science found that hearing loss in older adults can compromise cognitive resources for memory. The research suggests that the extra effort needed to comprehend words detracts from the cognitive processes involved in memorization. This highlights the importance of sensitivi...

SourceBrandeis University·JournalCurrent Directions in Psychological Science·DateAug 29, 2005

OHSU researchers help develop portable device to assist those combating balance disorders

Researchers at OHSU developed a portable device that uses audio cues to assist individuals with balance disorders, such as those caused by vestibular loss or Parkinson's disease. The device has shown significant improvement in reducing sway area and increasing time spent within the safe zone during early testing.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalArchives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation·DateJul 13, 2005

Orchestra pit no danger to hearing

A study by University of Toronto researchers found that orchestra musicians are not at risk of hearing loss in the pit, despite playing for long hours. However, individual practice and measures such as earplugs can still help protect their hearing.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalApplied Acoustics·DateMar 14, 2005

Veterans in better health than other residents of nursing homes, new test for evaluating tinnitus

A new test for tinnitus evaluates loudness and pitch using an automated procedure. Veterans are found to be more independent in daily activities and less physically disabled than their peers residing in community nursing homes, suggesting the impact of extensive rehabilitation services available to veterans.

SourceVeterans Affairs Research Communications·JournalThe Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development·DateDec 29, 2004

Brain can be trained to process sound in alternate way, study shows

A recent study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences reveals that the brain can be retrained to process sound in an alternative way, allowing for improved hearing sensitivity. This new system enables neurons to selectively fire at specific volume levels, making it more responsive to subtle changes in loudness.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 10, 2004

Smoking not linked to hearing loss

Research found no significant association between serum cotinine levels and hearing loss, contradicting previous reports. The study included 197 patients with new hearing loss and 394 without, but noted the need for further longitudinal studies to clarify the relationship.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery·DateNov 15, 2004

Innovations in hearing loss detection & treatment

Researchers developed a speech-in-multitalker-babble test instrument to examine the effects of hearing loss on self-perceived quality of life. The test improved word recognition performance with repeated exposure to sentence materials, and showed that wheelchair riders face no increased risk of injury in large city buses.

SourceVeterans Affairs Research Communications·JournalThe Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development·DateJul 25, 2003

Reversing the sounds of silence

A new compound is being developed to target specific types of hearing loss, with the goal of repairing and regrowing injured or damaged auditory hair cells. The treatment aims to prevent hearing loss by bolstering the inner ear's antioxidant defenses and may offer hope for some patients with sudden hearing loss.

Hearing loss a threat to children who survive 'stiff lung' condition at birth

Researchers warn that children born with persistent pulmonary hypertension (PPHN) may be at risk for progressive hearing loss, even if standard auditory testing proves normal in the first weeks of life. Periodic hearing tests every six months until age 3 are recommended to avoid delayed diagnosis and its associated costs.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalArchives of Otolaryngology·DateAug 14, 2000

Can We Prevent Hearing Loss In Elderly Women?

A recent study found that women with impaired hearing had lower blood levels of vitamin B-12 and folate compared to those with normal hearing. The researchers suggest that dietary recommendations aimed at influencing the course of age-related hearing loss may be possible, but more advanced studies are needed.

Drug Prevents Hearing Loss Caused By Brain Tumor Therapy

Researchers at Oregon Health & Science University have found that treatment with sodium thiosulfate significantly reduces hearing loss in brain tumor patients receiving carboplatin chemotherapy. This breakthrough could help combat the hearing loss associated with platinum-based chemotherapy treatment for other types of cancer.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalJournal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics·DateJul 7, 1998