Articles tagged with Middle Ear
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A new study revises the origin story of freshwater fish, suggesting that oceanic fish invaded fresh water multiple times to develop improved hearing systems. The discovery was made using a newly discovered fossil fish with a Weberian apparatus, which allows it to hear sounds at high frequencies.
Researchers have identified the gene DYRK1A as a key driver of 'glue ear' in people with Down syndrome, a middle ear condition commonly known as otitis media with effusion. The discovery paves the way for future targeted therapies to address hearing loss in patients.
A new imaging device that combines optical coherence tomography (OCT) with traditional otoscopy improves diagnostic capabilities for hearing clinics. The integrated device provides detailed views of the eardrum and middle ear, enabling more accurate diagnoses and treatment.
The discovery of two newly described fossils from the Jurassic period has provided fresh insights into the early evolution of mammals. The fossils, which include well-preserved skeletal remains of shuotheriids, have allowed scientists to solve a longstanding problem in understanding mammalian tooth shape.
A new study from University of Florida scientists reveals that chronic ear infections can lead to deficits in auditory processing and language development in children years later. Children with multiple ear infections before three years old had smaller vocabularies and difficulty matching similar sounding words.
Researchers from IOCB Prague and MED-EL have created a complete computer model of the ear, allowing for detailed simulation of sound conversion and hearing processes. This model may help improve cochlear implants and better compensate hearing impairments.
Researchers have developed a new ear tube design that combines liquid-infused materials with optimized geometry to improve treatment outcomes for patients with ear infections. The design enables better performance and reduces complications such as impaired hearing and scarring of the eardrum.
A recent study of 4.8 million children with otitis media found that socially disadvantaged kids were less likely to receive treatment, increasing their risk of complications and hearing loss. The findings highlight the need for equitable access to ear infection treatment for all children.
Scientists found evidence of a vertebrate spiracle originating from fish gills in ancient Chinese fossils. The discovery sheds light on the evolution of the human middle ear and how it adapted to transport sound vibrations into the inner ear.
The American Academy of Otolaryngology has published an updated clinical practice guideline for tympanostomy tubes in children, which provides evidence-based recommendations on patient selection and surgical indications. The guidelines aim to improve the management of middle ear infections and hearing loss in children.
Researchers have designed a miniaturized device using microplasma technology to treat middle ear infections. The treatment is effective in inactivating bacteria and may offer an alternative to antibiotics, which are often ineffective or lead to antibiotic resistance.
Researchers discovered evidence of ear infections in 15,000-year-old human remains from the Levant, peaking around 6,000 years ago due to environmental factors. The study suggests that changes in living conditions, such as increased population density and poor hygiene, contributed to the prevalence of ear infections.
A microsimulation study found that nurse home visits improved health outcomes and reduced readmissions for patients with heart failure, while also being more effective than standard care. The intervention increased quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) and costs, resulting in an ICER of $19,570 per QALY gained.
A new species of multituberculate mammal, Jeholbaatar kielanae, has been discovered with a distinct middle ear that suggests specialization for feeding. The fossil provides solid evidence of the morphology and articulation of middle-ear bones in multituberculates.
A new smartphone-based platform can quickly detect possible ear infections in children by analyzing reflected acoustic signals. The system uses a commercial phone's speakers and microphones to send sound into the ear canal, detecting middle ear fluid with high accuracy.
A study by University of Colorado researchers found genetic variants in the FUT2 gene increase the risk of recurrent or chronic middle ear infections in children. The variants affect the microbiome of the middle ear, making it more susceptible to specific bacteria.
A new study published in The New England Journal of Medicine found that a shortened five-day antimicrobial treatment regimen for middle ear infections in young children is less effective than the standard 10-day regimen. The study also failed to show a significant reduction in antibiotic resistance threat.
Researchers found a rare genetic variant in the A2ML1 gene associated with an increased risk of middle ear infections. The study, led by Dr. Regie Santos-Cortez, identified the variant in 37 Filipinos and two European-Americans with otitis media, suggesting it may be the result of a founder effect from Spain.
Researchers found that a flu virus can inflame nasal tissue and increase bacterial growth, leading to middle ear infections. The study suggests that the flu virus modifies the immune system's response to certain bacteria, enabling them to infect the middle ear.
A systematic review of 40 studies found that ear tube surgery has no significant impact on hearing, speech, or other functional outcomes beyond a short period. Adenoidectomy also showed limited benefits in reducing time with ear infections and improving hearing up to two years.
Researchers at Clemson University identified two regions in the chicken genome associated with congenital deafness and spine deformities in humans. The Araucana breed's unique ear tufts and rumplessness provide a model for studying human genetic mutations.
A recent study led by Loyola University Medical Center physician Matthew Kircher identified a simple way to reduce healthcare costs without compromising care. The researchers found that in 178 cases, there was virtually perfect agreement between otologists' findings and official diagnoses from the pathology lab, suggesting that these e...
Scientists at King's College London found that the middle ear cavity is formed by two different tissue types, one of which is less efficient at clearing debris and more susceptible to infection. This 'evolutionary glitch' may be the reason why some children are more prone to developing chronic ear problems like glue ear.
A new biodegradable antibiotic pellet can be implanted in the middle ear to target glue ear infections, potentially reducing the need for repeated grommet operations. The pellet slowly releases antibiotics over three weeks, addressing biofilms that cause up to 20% of cases.
A large clinical trial has shown that direct injection of steroids into the middle ear is equally effective as oral steroids in restoring hearing levels in patients with sudden deafness. The study results, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, have implications for treatment options and cost-effectiveness.
A new treatment for sudden hearing loss has been found comparable to oral steroids, providing patients with more treatment options. The study showed that both treatments led to similar hearing improvements, but patients with severe hearing loss benefited more from oral steroids.
A recent clinical trial found that nasal steroid sprays do not significantly improve symptoms of eustachian tube dysfunction. The study enrolled patients with either otitis media with effusion or negative middle ear pressure and randomly assigned them to receive either a steroid spray or a placebo.
Children with chronic otitis media with effusion (COME) experience changes in their sense of taste, which may be related to childhood obesity. Researchers found that the taste thresholds of sweet and salty tastes were elevated for children in the COME group.
Researchers analyzed 135 studies to support new AOM practice guidelines, identifying otoscopic findings as key to accurate diagnosis. They also found that heptavalent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine use is associated with changes in AOM microbial epidemiology.
A new Cochrane Systematic Review found that longer antibiotic treatment courses in children with middle ear infections slightly reduce the risk of treatment failure. However, this benefit comes at a significant cost to society, as overuse of antibiotics contributes to drug resistance and increased healthcare expenditure.
A possible link has been discovered between childhood middle ear infections and a tendency to be overweight later in life. Research suggests that prompt diagnosis and treatment of ear infections may help fight obesity in some people.
A meta-analysis of previous studies found that antibiotics do not significantly reduce fluid buildup in children with middle ear infections. The condition can lead to hearing loss and language development delays. Researchers recommend against prescribing antibiotics to prevent middle ear effusion.
A recent Pittsburgh ear study has found no significant impact of fluid in the middle ear on developmental outcomes in children up to age 11. The study, which tracked over 6,300 children, suggests that most children with fluid can wait without intervention.
A study of 80 children found that antibiotic ear drops resolved ear drainage three to five days faster and resulted in more clinical cures overall, compared to oral administration. The topical drops also had fewer gastrointestinal problems and led to less antibiotic resistance.
A groundbreaking study found that nearly all children with chronic otitis media have resistant biofilm bacteria in their middle ears, rendering antibiotics ineffective. This discovery sheds new light on the treatment of chronic ear infections and suggests alternative approaches such as probiotics.
A novel vaccine has been shown to be effective in preventing middle ear infections in young children, reducing episodes by about a third. The vaccine targets the bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae, which are leading causes of infection.
Researchers demonstrated how monkeys update depth motion with the help of their middle ears. The study strongly implicated the vestibular system in this process, showing that intact motion cues are critical for reconstructing three-dimensional visual space during motion in depth.
A University of Minnesota study found that ear problems decreased significantly over time after ear tube placement for children with otitis media with effusion (OME). The annual incidence of ear problems was highest during the first three to five years, but declined thereafter.
Researchers found that gastric juices can accumulate in the middle ear, causing inflammation and secondary bacterial colonisation. The study suggests that anti-reflux treatment could prevent otitis media with effusion, a common problem in young children.
A new hearing test called wide-band reflectance could improve diagnosis of middle ear infections and other hearing disorders. The test uses softer sounds to trigger a middle ear reaction, allowing doctors to make a diagnosis without exposing patients to intense noise.
The Gallup survey reveals that 77% of American moms whose preschool children have suffered from ear infections are concerned about the long-term effects. Despite this, many parents are unaware of how to detect middle ear fluid, which can cause complications such as hearing loss and speech delays.
Researchers at UNC Health Care found that allergy increases susceptibility to otitis media, a common ear infection in young children. Antihistamine treatment may help alleviate symptoms.