Researchers found that episodes of dizziness in patients with Ménière's disease decrease over time. Surgery to drain fluid from the inner ear also appears to reduce vertigo in three-fourths of patients, according to a new study.
Researchers at Michigan Medicine have discovered a vitamin and mineral combination that may prevent hearing loss caused by loud noises. The formula, called AuraQuell, was successful in laboratory tests and is now being tested in human clinical trials.
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.
Age-Related Hearing Impairment (ARHI) affects nearly 1 in 3 people between the ages of 65 and 75, causing gradual changes in the inner ear. Recent advances in basic science may help prevent ARHI by understanding inner ear hair cell loss.
A new study at the AAO-HNSF Annual Meeting & OTO EXPO found that patients with sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSHL) receive inconsistent care due to lack of established clinical practice guidelines. SSHL is a rare but serious otological event affecting between 5 and 20 people per 100,000 per year.
Using MRI, researchers identified soft tissue defects contributing to hearing loss in children, affecting thousands of kids per year. The study found abnormalities in the cochlea and auditory nerve in 40% of ears with sensorineural hearing loss.
Researchers from Michigan State University found that many low-cost over-the-counter hearing aids fail to meet basic fitting requirements and may damage a person's hearing. The study advises consumers to consult with an audiologist for proper fitting and customization.
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.
A new study found that estradiol helps protect against auditory damage, particularly in mice with deficiencies in estrogen receptors. Treatment with ER-beta-binding drugs also showed promise in preventing hearing loss.
Scientists have developed a breakthrough laboratory technique to isolate and grow hair cells, essential sound detectors in the inner ear. This new method provides a reliable source for researchers studying inner-ear disorders, including hearing loss and balance problems.
Researchers have shown that bone marrow stem cells can speed up hearing recovery in rats with damaged inner ears. The stem cells repaired the injured cochlear fibrocytes, leading to faster recovery of high-frequency hearing, and improved hearing by 23% compared to natural regeneration.
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.
Researchers have identified a gene, TGBF1, that contributes to otosclerosis, the single most common cause of hearing loss among white adults. The study found that a specific variant of this gene is protective against the disease.
Researchers at UCI have identified a novel approach to treating tinnitus by applying a low-pitched sound through an MP3 player, providing temporary relief from high-pitched ringing tones. The treatment, which is only effective while applied, suggests customized stimulation and balanced stimulation as key to suppressing tinnitus.
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.
Researchers found that fans without ear protection in Edmonton Oilers games received a daily allowable noise dose of over 8,100%, posing a significant risk to their hearing. The study highlights the importance of wearing protective gear during loud events like hockey playoffs.
Research reveals that even short exposure to loud noise during Stanley Cup games can be harmful, with fans receiving up to 81% of their daily noise dose without ear protection. Earplugs can mitigate this risk and help prevent hearing loss and tinnitus.
Researchers at CU-Boulder and Children's Hospital developed guidelines for safe earphone listening levels using iPods. Typically, individuals can safely listen to music for 4.6 hours a day at 70% volume without risking hearing loss.
Daily exposure to noise on subway platforms and cars can cause hearing loss, with average maximum levels exceeding recommended limits by up to 30 minutes. Researchers found that frequent long-term rides and other high-noise activities increase the risk of hearing damage.
A study of 1,911 adults found that visual impairment significantly increases the risk of hearing loss, with both conditions affecting physical and mental domains. The two impairments share common risk factors, including oxidative stress, smoking, and atherosclerosis.
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.
A study by Baylor College of Medicine found that early identification and treatment of hearing loss in children with bacterial meningitis can minimize its impact on social interactions. Children suffering from the Streptococcus form of meningitis were more likely to experience hearing loss.
Researchers identified risk factors associated with hearing loss in children with bacterial meningitis, including Streptococcus pneumoniae meningitis. Length of hospitalization, seizures, and cerebrospinal fluid protein levels were significant predictors for hearing loss.
A Duke University study found that hearing loss contributes to a decline in quality of life, particularly among the elderly. The study also revealed that approximately six million people in the US use hearing aids, but 35-50% of users are not satisfied with their devices.
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.
A Mayo Clinic study found that patients with rheumatoid arthritis have preserved hearing and are no more susceptible to hearing loss than those without the disease. However, rheumatoid arthritis patients were more likely to perceive they had hearing problems due to their disability level.
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.
A case study highlights the importance of monitoring vitamin B1 deficiency in post-gastric bypass surgery patients due to potential development of Wernicke encephalopathy. The patient experienced symptoms such as nausea, fatigue, and hearing loss, which improved with increased intravenous dose of vitamin B1.
A new study found that hearing loss from chemotherapy is common in children treated with platinum agents, with 61% of patients experiencing some form of hearing loss. The study highlights the need for improved reporting and awareness of ototoxicity to prevent long-term development issues.
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...
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.
A new guide from the Better Hearing Institute provides parents with tools to recognize and address hearing loss in children, which can impact academic performance and development. The guide offers treatment options and resources for parents to overcome stigma associated with hearing aids.
Despite progress, most US babies are not fully covered under newborn screening programs. Currently, 23 states screen for over 20 disorders, while others have limited or no testing.
Researchers at Université de Montréal found that chronic exposure to both noise and carbon monoxide in the workplace significantly contributes to increased hearing thresholds at high frequencies. Workers with 25-29 years of noise exposure were particularly affected.
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.
Researchers identified the EYA4 gene as the cause of dilated cardiomyopathy preceded by sensorineural hearing loss. The mutant protein compromises cardiac function by reducing its presence in the nucleus, leading to dramatic heart failure and pumping velocity reduction.
A Canada International Scientific Exchange Program (CISEPO) project has successfully brought together Israeli, Jordanian and Palestinian health professionals to address common health issues. The program has expanded to include activities on maternal and child health, young people's health and infectious diseases.
Scientists have discovered a gene that acts as a 'brake' on hair-cell regeneration in the inner ear. By deleting this gene, hair cells can proliferate and potentially regenerate, providing new hope for treating age-related hearing loss. This breakthrough opens up new avenues for research and potential clinical applications.
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.
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.
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.
Researchers used fMRI to study brain activity in people with dyslexia, finding increased visual pathway activation during auditory tasks, linked to poorer performance. The findings suggest abnormal cross-modal sensory processing may be a fundamental deficit in dyslexia.
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.
Researchers have found a link between low nerve cell counts and inherited auditory neuropathy, a disorder affecting approximately 250,000 people. The study suggests that new therapies may be developed to prevent or treat the condition, potentially preserving existing nerve cells through stem cell research.
A new study suggests that web therapy can effectively reduce tinnitus-related symptoms in patients, particularly those experiencing mild to moderate distress. The treatment involves cognitive behavioral exercises, relaxation, breathing, and sleep management training via the Internet.
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.
A study found that women with a history of heart attack were 2.7 times more likely to have impaired cochlear function than those without, highlighting a potential link between CVD and age-related hearing loss. The research used a new technology to test cochlear function in over 1,600 participants aged 52-97.
A study found that a common newborn hearing test may give false positives in as many as 35% of cases, leading to unnecessary worry and costs for follow-up tests. In contrast, a more complex test gave normal-hearing babies a passing grade nearly all the time.
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.
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.
A Northwestern University study found that many older women have undiagnosed and untreated hearing loss, which can lead to depression and emotional problems. The researchers suggest that public policy should include hearing care as part of all health maintenance plans.
The Aurex-3 device uses a vibrating probe to cancel out ringing sounds in the ear, offering long-term benefits without interfering with hearing. Developed by ADM Tronics, the device employs beat harmonics to effectively mask tinnitus symptoms.
The Naval Medical Center in San Diego has successfully tested a technique that restores hearing loss if administered within hours of exposure to loud noise, and can also 'inoculate' users against hearing loss. The technique uses micro-devices to deliver antioxidant pharmaceuticals that protect hypersensitive hair cells.
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.
A free orientation program developed by UF professor Alice Holmes aims to increase patient satisfaction among hearing aid users. The four-session program provides realistic guidance on using hearing aids, adjusting settings, and preventing communication breakdowns.