Articles tagged with Auditory Perception
Professor Swanepoel's innovative research using smartphone technologies to provide equitable access to hearing healthcare services has been recognized with the prestigious Olusegun Obasanjo Prize. His work aims to improve 'ear and hearing care' in Africa, making it a reality for every African citizen.
A new study reveals that DeafBlind signers use tactile grammatical structures to convey meaning, suggesting alternative pathways for language development. Researchers analyzed the conventionalization of protactile phonology in US DeafBlind communities, finding consistent patterns in hand articulation and grammar assignment.
Researchers from the University of Oldenburg are using virtual reality to better understand auditory perception, particularly in noisy environments. They aim to clarify how complicated processes such as perception, attention, and memory can be investigated using new interactive VR methods.
Research from USC's Keck School of Medicine found that financially exploited seniors show distinct brain activity patterns compared to those who have not been victimized. The study also linked hearing and vision problems to increased frailty in older adults who experienced financial exploitation.
Hearing loss experts advocate for FDA regulation of over-the-counter hearing aids, citing barriers to access and the need for evidence-based products. The authors recommend premarket testing and clearer distinctions between hearing aids and wearable sound amplification products.
Researchers analyzed ABR tests of nearly 140,000 newborns in Florida and found slower brain responses to sounds in those later diagnosed with autism. The study presents a promising direction in using ABR testing as a method for precise autism detection at birth.
The EAR-PC study found that 25% of patients over 55 had signs of hearing loss and referral rates increased by 10-fold after electronic prompts. The findings suggest effective hearing loss screening in primary care can improve health outcomes for older adults.
A 45-year-old man with asthma experienced sudden permanent hearing loss in one ear after being treated for COVID-19, highlighting a possible new side effect. Prompt steroid treatment can reverse the condition.
Researchers found daily average sound levels dropped approximately 3 decibels during the pandemic, which could have a significant impact on people's overall health outcomes. The analysis shows that digital devices can be used to evaluate daily behaviors and exposures.
A study by University of Maryland School of Medicine researchers identified GFI1 as a vital protein in the development of functioning adult hair cells. In its absence, embryonic cells were likely to develop into neuron-like cells. The findings could lead to new methods for regenerating lost hair cells and restoring hearing.
Researchers found that naked mole-rats have poor hearing due to six mutations in genes associated with hearing loss. Without cochlear amplification, the constant noise they produce doesn't harm their hair cells, making this adaptation beneficial for their survival.
A study by McGill University researchers has identified neural markers related to beat synchronization in musicians' brains, revealing that it takes more than just moving or listening well to keep the beat. The findings suggest that practice can improve one's ability to synchronize and that around 2-3% of the population are 'beat deaf',
A new consensus statement recommends cochlear implants for adults with moderate to severe hearing loss, which can restore clarity and improve communication. The panel of experts emphasizes that these devices are not only for young children but also suitable for adults who have lost hearing later in life.
Researchers found a strong association between high-dose opioid use and degrees of hearing loss, with 21% experiencing permanent loss. The study suggests that health care providers should be aware of this potential link when evaluating patients with hearing issues.
Carnegie Mellon researchers create large dataset capturing interaction between sound, action, and vision to improve robotic perception. The study found that sounds can help robots differentiate between objects and predict physical properties of new objects.
A study by the University of Michigan found that incorporating online 'boosters' into existing safety programs increased knowledge and attitude towards hearing conservation practices among farm youths. The research showed significant improvements in favorable attitudes, but no impact on actual behavior.
A study by UC San Francisco found that over a third of adults aged 65 and older face difficulties seeing their doctor via telemedicine due to various obstacles. The researchers highlight the need for innovation in devices, services, and policy to ensure older adults are not left behind during the shift to telehealth.
Scientists have developed a wireless, optical cochlear implant that uses LED lights to restore hearing in deaf rats and gerbils. The device generates more selective signals than prior designs, offering improvements over current electrode-based implants.
A UCSF study found that older adults with retained senses of hearing, vision, and touch have half the risk of developing dementia compared to those with marked sensory decline. The study tracked over 1,800 participants in their seventies for up to 10 years, revealing a stronger association between olfaction and lower dementia risk.
A researcher at Northeast Ohio Medical University has received a large federal grant to develop the first human treatment for tinnitus, a debilitating hearing impairment affecting millions of people in the US. The grant aims to create a drug to treat and prevent tinnitus, which currently has no available treatment options.
Researchers found that a dying brain can respond to sound even in an unconscious state, up to the last hours of life. The study used EEG to analyze brain activity from hospice patients and healthy controls, revealing similar responses to common and rare sounds.
A study from Toyohashi University of Technology reveals that visual perception elicits emotions across all attentional states, while auditory perception only elicits emotions when attention is paid to sounds. This suggests distinct relationships between attentional states and emotional responses to visual and auditory stimuli.
Harvard University researchers successfully used base editing to correct a recessive genetic mutation causing complete deafness in mice. The treatment restored partially functional hearing, and the scientists hope to apply this technique to humans with similar conditions.
Researchers used a new genetic engineering technique, known as base editing, to repair a single mutation in the Tmc1 gene, restoring partial hearing in mice. The technique has potential for treating other genetic forms of hearing loss and diseases.
Research from Anglia Ruskin University's Vision and Eye Research Institute found that people with severe vision loss can less accurately judge the distance of nearby sounds. This impairment may put them at risk of injury in real-life situations.
Scientists at UCL have discovered sets of regulatory genes responsible for maintaining healthy hearing in fruit flies. They found that manipulating these genes could prevent age-related hearing loss in humans, and have already started a follow-up drug discovery project to fast-track novel treatments.
A team of researchers generated a developmental map of the mouse inner ear's sound-sensing structure, providing insights into genetic programs that drive cell formation. The study sheds light on underlying causes of hearing loss linked to Ehlers-Danlos and Loeys-Dietz syndromes.
A team of researchers led by Jung-Bum Shin identified Myosin-VIIa as a crucial protein in maintaining proper tension in hair cell mechanoreceptors, enabling sound detection. The discovery sheds light on the biological architecture of hearing and may lead to new treatments for hearing loss.
San Diego State University researchers found a similar brain glitch occurs in signing and speaking errors, which could improve rehabilitation therapy for deaf signers after a stroke. The study used EEG recordings to analyze the brains of both hearing and deaf signers.
The Video Enabled Justice Independent Evaluation found that new booking tool improved court processes with better oversight of the court's list. However, resource constraints hindered the tool's optimal functioning, highlighting the need for comprehensive planning and investment in audio-video equipment.
Researchers at Oregon Health & Science University developed a synthetic molecule that targets and corrects a mutated gene causing Usher syndrome in mice. The technique may be used to deliver drug therapy through amniotic fluid to the fetus, potentially treating and preventing several types of congenital hearing and balance disorders.
Researchers discovered that cormorants have adapted their ears for excellent underwater hearing, surprising given they spend most of their time on land. The ear structure's modifications enable the birds to detect sound pressure in both air and water with similar sensitivity.
Researchers found reduced glucose metabolism in the brain stem and primary auditory cortex of patients with asymmetric hearing loss. Long duration of hearing impairment was associated with higher glucose metabolism on the contralateral side.
Researchers have designed a system that uses tapered chains of spherical beads to effectively dampen high-frequency noises above human hearing range. The material's potential applications include use in headphones or other barriers to filter out such sounds, which may alleviate symptoms like nausea and headaches.
Researchers describe cases of hearing loss in working dogs, highlighting the importance of noise protection. Hearing loss can be treated, and owners can adapt to help their pets thrive despite the condition.
Researchers discovered that bush-crickets' ear canals work similarly to mammals' ears, amplifying sound and modulating pressure. This breakthrough could lead to the development of better acoustic sensors for human use, enhancing directional hearing and monitoring applications.
A team of biologists identified a receptor that, when blocked, can prevent common types of hearing loss. They found that a drug called IEM-1460 selectively blocks the receptor and prevents hearing damage in mice exposed to noise.
Researchers analyzed genes expressed in bat cochleae to understand the origin and evolution of high-frequency hearing. They identified 34 genes involved in hearing or auditory perception with evidence for positive selection in echolocating species.
Researchers found a strong link between sensory acuity and cognitive function, with poor hearing linked to declines in memory and executive function. The study controlled for social factors, but did not find evidence that social isolation or depression contributed to the relationship.
A new study has identified two biomarkers that may help explain why people with normal hearing struggle to follow conversations in noisy environments. By measuring brain function and cognitive effort, researchers have developed objective tests for hidden hearing loss, a condition affecting an estimated 48 million Americans.
Researchers at the University of Oregon have developed a new method to assess hearing by measuring pupil dilation, which is as sensitive as traditional testing methods. The approach has shown promising results in detecting sound in individuals who cannot respond, such as babies and young adults with developmental disabilities.
Researchers discovered hair bundle development occurs in a feedback loop where form follows function and function drives form. In mice, stereocilia widen simultaneously with the onset of mechanotransduction, suggesting a critical importance of early development for reversing hearing loss.
Researchers at Anglia Ruskin University found that people with impaired vision lifted their lead foot higher but less quickly over obstacles, increasing their risk of falls. This pronounced gait also led to increased anxiety and decreased stability, highlighting the need for better vision correction and care.
The new species Origolestes lii, a stem therian mammal from the Early Cretaceous Jehol Biota, provides evidence for the separation of hearing and chewing modules. The discovery bridges the morphological gap between transitional and definitive mammalian middle ear evolution.
New fossil species Origolestes lii sheds light on transitional gap in mammalian ear evolution. The discovery provides a crucial reference point for understanding the decoupling of jaw and hearing systems, paving the way for improved hearing and chewing capabilities in future mammals.
Scientists found that sight deprivation alters how groups of neurons work together, changing sensitivity to different frequencies. Adult mice's auditory cortex redistributes space to high, low, and mid-range frequencies after a week in the dark.
The Acoustical Society of America and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health launched a campaign to improve Wikipedia content on sound, acoustics, and hearing topics. The Wiki4YearOfSound2020 platform provides guidance and invites users to edit Wikipedia articles and donate images.
Six leading scientific journals express concerns about EPA's 'Strengthening Transparency in Regulatory Science' rule, citing need for careful analysis of confidential data. The editors-in-chief emphasize the importance of informed decision-making based on full suite of relevant science vetted through peer review.
Musicians are at serious risk of developing tinnitus and hearing difficulties primarily due to prolonged exposure to loud noises. The study's findings support industry insiders' long-held concerns about the impact of workplace noise on musicians' hearing.
Researchers found that women following healthful dietary patterns had lower risk of decline in hearing sensitivity. The study, published in the American Journal of Epidemiology, suggests that eating a healthy diet may help prevent or delay hearing loss.
A new study found that even slight impairments in hearing can lead to decreased cognitive function, with the largest decline occurring in those whose hearing was just starting to become impaired. The researchers suggest that treating hearing loss could reduce dementia incidence by up to 9%.
Researchers from the University of Basel found that adding white noise to a quiet environment improves the brain's ability to distinguish subtle tone differences. This is achieved through reduced neuronal activity in the auditory cortex, allowing for more precise sound perception and potentially improving cochlear implant results.
New research from the University of Illinois at Chicago found that simultaneous masking significantly impacts care providers' ability to respond to medical alarms. The study, published in Human Factors, highlights the danger of hundreds of alarms daily being indistinguishable.
Researchers have recorded the loudest bird calls yet documented, reaching sound pressure levels three times that of screaming pihas. The white bellbird's mating songs are so loud they pose a risk to female hearing, sparking questions about the evolutionary advantages behind this extraordinary trait.
Researchers at UMass Amherst and a Brazilian institute recorded the loudest bird calls ever documented by dove-sized male white bellbirds. The calls have sound pressure levels about three times that of screaming pihas, another Amazon species.
Researchers at EPFL's Laboratory for Soft BioElectronic Interface have developed a next-generation soft hearing implant that can send targeted electrical signals to the auditory brainstem. The new implant overcomes the limitations of current ABIs, which can only provide sound perception and are stiff and inflexible.
Research reveals Deaf infants exposed to American Sign Language exhibit advanced eye-gaze behavior, including 'checking-back' cues. This finding suggests social-cognitive development can be shaped by early-life experiences and visual learning ecologies.
A team of researchers has reevaluated a 430,000-year-old cranium, previously thought to be deaf, and found that the individual had normal hearing. The study used CT scans and virtual 3D models to analyze ear structures, revealing that the extra bony growths did not impact hearing abilities.
A NUS team developed a novel mixed virtual reality game called 'The Lost Foxfire' that combines four sensory streams to achieve remarkable realism. The game requires players to use their senses of vision, hearing, smell, and touch to succeed.
A recent study published in Developmental Science found that Deaf infants raised by Deaf parents are more attuned to their parent's visual cues than hearing infants. This suggests that early experiences with visual language can shape a child's social and communication skills.