A recent study found that learning to play an instrument alters brain waves, improving listening and hearing skills in older adults. The study demonstrates the brain's ability to rewire itself and compensate for injuries or diseases.
Researchers at the University of Southern Denmark have found that cormorants can detect sounds under water, which may help protect these birds from man-made noise pollution. This new ability is comparable to that of seals and whales, and could also benefit other aquatic bird species.
A University of Maryland expert has diagnosed Francisco Goya with a rare autoimmune syndrome or syphilis after suffering from severe illness and hearing loss in 1793. She notes that Goya's condition would have been treatable today.
A new report from social psychologists at the University of Illinois Chicago reveals that people on both sides of the political aisle are motivated to dismiss opposing ideas and information. Approximately two-thirds of respondents declined a chance to win extra money to avoid reading statements that didn't support their position.
A review of medical literature by NYU researchers found that only 23.9% of studies on doctor-patient communication mentioned hearing loss, highlighting a significant gap in understanding its impact on care. The study suggests that simple strategies can mitigate the negative effects of hearing loss on patient communication.
Researchers found that a protein called Forkhead Box O3 (Foxo3) protects outer hair cells from damage, allowing some individuals to recover from noise-induced hearing loss. The study could provide new hope for preventing or treating hearing impairment.
Research shows complex partnership between ear and brain can compensate for significant inner ear damage, leading to normal audiogram but difficulty hearing in certain situations. The study highlights the need for more challenging behavioral tests to diagnose patients with 'hidden hearing loss'.
Case Western Reserve University researcher Martin Basch has been awarded a $300,000 Hartwell Individual Biomedical Research Award to study cell therapies for treating congenital strial deafness. The goal is to restore hearing in children affected by this condition.
A recent review of published research found that hearing their mother's voice can benefit the health of preterm infants. The study linked maternal voice exposure to physiological and behavioral stabilization, including fewer cardiorespiratory events.
Researchers found that certain 'super-readers' with reorganized brain circuits perform better in tasks involving written words, while others with intact auditory-visual integration achieve more accurate results. This study highlights the crucial role of brain interactions in cochlear implant success.
Researchers developed a gene therapy that restored balance and hearing in genetically modified mice with Usher Syndrome. The study's positive results suggest potential for treating various inherited vestibular and hearing disorders in humans.
A recent study published in The Laryngoscope found that substantial noise exposures occur in occupational and recreational settings, with only a small percentage of those exposed wearing recommended hearing protection. Firearms use is a significant contributor to noise exposure, with only 58% of gun owners using hearing protection.
A placebo-controlled trial shows that both audiology best practices and OTC models improve outcomes for older adults with mild-to-moderate hearing loss. The study's findings have implications for better hearing healthcare for millions of Americans.
Harbor porpoise newborns exhibit the earliest hearing development in any mammal studied, with full capabilities achieved within a day of birth. This finding contradicts other studies on newborn mammals, which show limited or absent hearing at birth.
A new study measures cumulative dosage over a patient's lifetime and finds that high exposure increases the risk of permanent hearing loss in cystic fibrosis patients. Researchers suggest alternative treatment strategies to mitigate this risk.
A two-step process has been developed to multiply stem cells found in the inner ear and convert them into hair cells, restoring partial hearing to mice. The researchers generated over 11,500 hair cells from a single mouse, offering hope for full hearing restoration in those with damaged hair cells.
Researchers discovered that disruption in Schwann cells, which make myelin, leads to hidden hearing loss. This finding may help diagnose and treat the condition, which affects individuals exposed to high levels of noise. The discovery could lead to new treatments for hidden hearing loss.
A series of studies published in Psychological Science found that listeners respond positively to familiar stories more than expected by speakers. The researchers attribute this to listeners' ability to fill in gaps in the speaker's story, making it more enjoyable to hear.
Composer Samuel Hertz has been announced as the winner of the inaugural £15,000 DARE Art Prize. He will spend the next year collaborating with researchers at the University of Leeds and Opera North staff to create a groundbreaking new work exploring the effects of infrasound on wellbeing and mood.
Researchers have successfully restored a high level of hearing in deaf mice using an improved gene therapy vector, which also improves balance function. The technology has the potential to benefit patients with Usher syndrome, who suffer from profound hearing loss and balance problems.
Scientists at Harvard Medical School have developed a new gene-delivery therapy that successfully restores partial hearing and balance in mice born with genetic hearing loss. The treatment uses a modified adeno-associated virus (AAV) wrapped in protective bubbles to penetrate hair cells, which are notoriously difficult to treat.
A new study by University of Utah researchers found that a state-wide screening program led to increased early identification of infants with hearing loss due to congenital CMV. The law also provided funds for educational campaigns, which is important given the virus's prevalence.
A new study reveals that dialect unfamiliarity and prejudice against AAVE and other non-standard dialects can lead to mishearing and misjudgment in courtrooms. The authors argue that vernacular varieties should matter more, and linguists can play a bigger role in explaining them.
Researchers found a decline in hearing loss prevalence among US adults aged 20 to 69 years, from 16% to 14%, between 1999-2004 and 2011-2012 periods. The study suggests that age-related hearing loss may be delayed until later in life.
Researchers at the University of Buffalo discovered that short-term hearing loss can cause auditory nerve cells to change their behavior and shape. The study found that these changes are related to neurotransmitters, with cells depleting their reserves and decreasing vesicle storage space when it's quiet.
A study published in PLOS Genetics identified two genetic variations linked to age-related hearing impairment, shedding light on the disorder's biological basis. The research used a large cohort of patients' electronic medical records and genome sequences to discover these genetic links.
Researchers found that older adults' brains degrade speech processing in quiet environments, making it harder to comprehend speech amidst background noise. The study suggests that brain training techniques may help improve speech comprehension in older adults.
Researchers discovered that jumping spiders can detect sounds at distances of over three meters, a finding that changes scientists' understanding of the world spiders live in. The spiders' hearing is most sensitive to frequencies associated with the wingbeats of parasitoid wasp enemies, prompting a startle response.
Massachusetts Eye and Ear researchers have linked symptoms of difficulty understanding speech in noisy environments to evidence of cochlear synaptopathy in young adults. Regular use of hearing protection significantly improved test scores.
A newly-named fossil whale species, Echovenator sandersi, had superior high-frequency hearing ability, helping scientists understand the evolution of this specialized sense. The study, published in Current Biology, pushes the origin of high frequency hearing in whales farther back in time.
Researchers discovered that whales' ultrasonic hearing arose earlier than anticipated, with the ability to hear at high frequencies evolving about 27 million years ago. This finding suggests that traits associated with this ability predate the emergence of toothed whales.
Researchers discovered a cocktail of sea anemone proteins that can repair damaged mouse cochlear hair cells in as little as 8 minutes. The study suggests that these proteins could potentially be used to treat patients with acute hearing loss.
Researchers identified an inner ear deficiency in children with Autism that affects speech recognition. The non-invasive test measures otoacoustic emissions to detect cochlear impairment, correlating it with ASD symptom severity.
A new discovery has revealed that parts of the inner ear processing speech and music work differently than other areas. The study used optical coherence tomography to measure the inner ear's response to sound in an intact ear.
Research reveals that a fly species uses cicada sounds to locate hosts, attracting both females and males for potential mating. The study found that hearing may have originated as a means of finding a host but has become useful in another way.
A study is underway to understand why some children respond better to cochlear implants than others. Researchers are using measures of brain function to identify clinical interventions that could help children adapt to using the implants. The study involves recruiting children from 18 months to 8 years old who use cochlear implants, as...
A UBC study reveals that undiagnosed hearing loss in seniors aged 60-69 is associated with increased social isolation and cognitive declines equivalent to almost four years of chronological aging. The study found a 52% increase in odds of social isolation for every 10-decibel drop in hearing sensitivity.
A study published in Scientific Reports found that almost all teenagers engage in risky listening habits, leading to persistent tinnitus and heightened sensitivity to loud sounds. The researchers warn of a major public health challenge as the prevalence of hearing damage is expected to increase.
Research finds that hearing problems impact older people's ability to communicate, move about, and participate in hobbies. Studies show that those with hearing issues have a limited life space and lower quality of life compared to those with good hearing.
Scientists propose a computational model explaining multisensory integration in humans, utilizing a Multisensory Correlation Detector. The brain detects similarity across visual and auditory signals to integrate stimuli, opening new clinical perspectives for neurological syndromes like Autism Spectrum Disorder and Dyslexia.
A study from the University of Utah finds that older Americans with hearing loss have more trouble understanding British accents when there is background noise. The study also explores how transgender women can adopt a clearer speaking style to sound more feminine and how fast-talking affects speech intelligibility.
Researchers have discovered biomarkers in the brain that could help scientists develop effective treatments for single-sided deafness. The study used multi-modal imaging techniques to analyze changes in brain structure and function in response to the condition.
Research reveals half of farmed fish have hearing loss, which affects their survival in the wild, leading to compromised welfare standards. The study's findings suggest that deformed earbones are larger, lighter, and more brittle, resulting in significant hearing sensitivity loss.
A new study reports the first small molecule targeted therapy for progressive hearing loss in a mouse model of USH3, which causes devastating symptoms. The discovery holds promise for real-world translation and could prevent both sensory deficiencies in USH3 patients.
Hearing socially meaningful sounds can modify ear structure to better detect those sounds, improving hearing in green treefrogs. The study's findings have implications for elderly people with limited social interaction or prisoners in solitary confinement.
Rheumatoid arthritis patients are at risk of developing hearing impairment due to various factors such as synovial destruction and environmental exposures. Regular audiometric tests and TEOAEs can detect early stages of the disease, and treatment options include oral steroids and intensifying Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs.
A new UCLA psychology study suggests that the brain combines sound and vision using different mechanisms, which can influence how well people perform tasks. Researchers found that people's vision frequently influences their hearing when trying to identify specific locations of sounds and flashes of light.
Researchers found that bats exposed to prolonged loud noise showed minimal sensitivity loss, with only a slight decrease of 0.6 decibels over 24 hours. This natural resiliency may hold clues for developing devices or implants to help humans cope with loud noises.
Researchers created a visual speech recognition technology that can accurately translate lip movements into spoken words, even in noisy environments or when audio is unavailable. This technology has the potential to be applied in various situations, including criminal investigations and entertainment.
A study published in Global Ecology and Conservation reveals that giant pandas can detect sound into the ultrasonic range, potentially disrupting their reproductive success due to noise from human activities. The San Diego Zoo's contribution to this research has provided crucial insights into panda hearing sensitivity.
A longitudinal study of 150 deaf children will assess the impact of early language exposure on their visual attention and processing abilities. The research team hopes to determine whether early exposure to American Sign Language (ASL) enhances sequence processing in deaf students.
Researchers are focusing on the key hormone 'aldosterone' and developing unique sounds to treat age-related hearing loss (ARHL). Studies will investigate its effects on mice and humans, with goals of slowing or preventing ARHL progression through hormonal intervention and brain training.
A small clinical study using the anticancer drug bevacizumab has restored hearing in a handful of people with neurofibromatosis type 2, who previously suffered from progressive hearing loss. The treatment showed promise in reducing tumor size without affecting nerve function.
A study found that an antioxidant regimen of beta carotene, vitamins C and E, and magnesium helped slow progression of hereditary deafness in mice with a connexin 26 gene deletion. In contrast, the same regimen had no effect on another mutant mouse modeling AUNA1, a rare type of hearing loss.
A study found that 94% of older adults experience sensory loss, with hearing and vision being the most affected. Multisensory losses are linked to poor quality of life and increased mortality.
A $3 million grant will assess key differences in attitudes, knowledge and skills related to health information between deaf and hearing individuals. The project aims to understand mechanisms of visual learning as it relates to health information accessibility.
Researchers discovered a direct link between Wbp2 and progressive high-frequency hearing loss in mouse models and human clinical cases. The study found that Wbp2 expression loss leads to reduced hormone receptor expression and hearing impairment.
Researchers found that the adult brain's natural plasticity can compensate for a near-complete loss of auditory nerve fibers, restoring sensitivity to faint sounds but not complex sounds like speech. The brain's 'amplifier' at higher stages of processing acts as an amplifier, increasing sound detection abilities within normal limits.
Researchers created an audio platform that modifies voices to sound happier, sadder or more fearful, and found participants' emotional state changed accordingly. The study suggests people don't always control their own voice to match emotions, but listen to it to gauge feelings.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine found that marmosets use auditory cues similar to humans to distinguish between low and high notes, shedding light on our evolutionary history.