2008

Advances in hearing research in 2008

2008 was a productive year in terms of hearing research. Results from stem-cell and gene research may lead to new treatment options for hearing impairment. Read more

More can benefit from cochlear implants

Advancements in technology make cochlear implants beneficial for more people with severe hearing loss, including infants as young as six months. Cochlear implants have been found to have positive impact on quality of life and speech development. Read more

Vitamins against hearing loss?

Some day in the not too distant future, you may just take a pill or eat a snack to prevent hearing damage before you go to a noisy event. Experiments with guinea pigs indicated that certain combinations of vitamins and magnesium may reduce or even prevent noise-induced hearing loss. Read more

Trendy earplugs for young clubbers

Earplugs have an image problem among young Britons. For this reason The Royal National Institute for Deaf People (RNID) set up a competition create a trendier way to protect people’s ears. A winner has been found. Read more

Most missed sounds

The voice of a loved one is the sound most of us would miss more than any other if we lost our hearing. Read more

Researchers warning against cheap hearing aids

Cheap over-the-counter hearing aids are inadequate and may actually directly harm people’s hearing, according to scientists. Read more

Tooth decay and hearing loss

Untreated tooth decay may lead to hearing loss. Read more

Platform to improve conditions for American children with hearing loss

Twelve points aim to ensure professional treatment and removal of financial barriers and stigma for American children with hearing loss. Read more

EU directive requiring captioning for all public service TV programming

Directive issued by the European Parliament requires all future public service TV programmes to be closed captioned. Read more

Special road surface to dampen noise

A new road surface dampens road noise by 7dB, according to the readings from a pilot project on a highway near Augsburg, Bavaria. The noise reduction is achieved by using a new road surface structure with two layers and porous asphalt. Read more

Hearing loss hard on couples

Frustration and suspicions of selective hearing are among problems faced by married couples with one spouse suffering from hearing loss. Almost half of those questioned in a study about the effects of hearing loss stated that hearing impairment adversely affects their marriages. Read more

Discovery leading towards intelligent hearing aids

A discovery relating to how the brain discriminates between sound sources may ultimately result in the development of intelligent hearing aids. Read more

Hearing loss combined with other disabilities hard on teenagers

Hearing impaired teenagers who also cope with other disabilities are often troubled mentally and socially, according to a Swedish study. Prevention is the answer, say the scientists Read more

Zebrafish offering insights into hearing loss

Zebrafish and hearing loss may appear to be worlds apart. Yet, on its side stripes the zebrafish has hair cells functionally similar to those in the human inner ear, and studying the zebrafish is now adding to our knowledge about our vulnerability to hearing damage. Read more

Sudden hearing loss linked to stroke risk

Individuals who have been hospitalized with sudden hearing loss are at increased risk of suffering strokes later in life, according to a Taiwanese study. The reason is not known. Read more

Nigerian children lose hearing from untreated ear infections

Many cases of hearing loss in Nigerian children are the result of untreated or late diagnosed middle ear infections. Earlier diagnoses and treatment would prevent most of this hearing loss, but poverty is the main hindrance. Read more

Have a good flight, even with tinnitus

Have no fear of flying with tinnitus. Read more

Pentagon sponsoring tinnitus research

The US Department of Defense is allocating USD50 million research into tinnitus, a common affliction among veterans. Read more

Patients with arthritis prone to suffering from hearing loss

The prevalence of hearing loss among rheumatoid arthritis patients is higher than among the normal healthy population, according to a Spanish study. Read more

Can Botox cure tinnitus?

American researchers have discovered a potential cure for some instances of tinnitus in the nerve agent Botox. One in four tinnitus patients in a study experienced improvement in their symptoms following treatment with Botox. Read more

Campaign to prevent noise induced hearing loss at work

More than 14 percent of all workers in Cantabria, Spain, suffer from noise induced hearing loss Read more

Diabetics twice as likely to suffer hearing loss

American study confirmed that hearing loss is more prevalent among adult diabetics than in the general population. Read more

National hearing screening in newborns failing in Argentina

Up to 60 percent of newborns still do not undergo hearing screening in Argentina in spite of a law, enacted six years ago, mandating newborn hearing screenings. The law calls for all newborns to be screened for hearing loss before the age of three months in private or public health care centers. Read more

Cholesterol affecting hearing

It is well-known that cholesterol affects our cardio-vascular health. Now, American scientists have concluded that cholesterol also affects our hearing. Read more

Tinnitus takes toll on quality of life

Tinnitus has a clear impact on quality of life among adults. Almost one in four feels adversely affected by tinnitus.
Read more

September 19, 2008, France:

Young Frenchmen prefer listening to loud music rather than to their government

Young Frenchmen are rebelling against a law limiting sound levels in personal stereos by downloading special software. Ironically, this may imperil their hearing and jeopardize their ability to enjoy music in the future. Read more

September 15, 2008:

Please, listen up!

Teenagers are well aware that loud music can damage their hearing, according to a Dutch survey. But the still ignore the risk. Read more

Some cars more noisy than others

Hearing aid users find it hard to use tele-coils in certain cars because they are too noisy. Read more

Your dentist should be concerned with hearing as well as teeth

Dentists should no longer be concerned just with teeth. They need to pay closer attention to their own hearing, as well. They are among the professional groups at risk of suffering noise-induced hearing loss in their workplace. Read more

Hearing impaired youngsters more likely to be bullied

Youngsters with hearing loss are more likely to be the victims of bullying in school than their school mates with normal hearing, according to a Swedish study. The adverse consequences can affect the development of the victims. Read more

Cochlear implants improve quality of life

German study confirmed that hearing implant results in significant increase in quality of life. Read more

Hormone treatment may offer future hearing loss prevention

Swedish study indicating that simple treatment with oestrogen stimulating drugs may be useful in combating hearing loss. Read more

One step closer to hearing restoration

Promising results of two studies on ’hearing restoration’ for patients with otoschlerosis. Read more

August 18, 2008, Germany:

Dangerous bouncer

A small device producing high pitched sounds and designed to chase youngsters away from entrance areas of stores and public places has long been used in Switzerland, and the device recently made its way into Germany, as well. But the noise is more than just unpleasant, it is damaging to young people’s hearing. Read more

Low birth weight increases risk of hearing loss

Children with a low birth weight are at increased risk of suffering from sensorineural hearing loss. A likely reason is that the ears may not be fully developed if the fetus grows slower than normal in the uterus. Read more

August 7, 2008; Namibia:

Help for hearing impaired Namibians

Forty percent of all hearing loss in Namibia could be prevented, according to the World Health Organization, WHO. Now there is new hope. ClaSH, The Association for Children with Language, Speech and Hearing Impairments was founded in Namibia with the aim of bringing information and awareness about hearing loss to the people, building a contact network and providing aids to hearing impaired people. Read more

August 5, 2008: Spain:

Film maker Almodóvar suffering from tinnitus

Pedro Almodóvar, famed Spanish movie director is suffering from Tinnitus. He fills his home with music morning, noon and night to combat this new scourge of his life. Read more

Bad hearing affecting grades

One pupil in 10 in Hessen, Germany, was found to suffer from hearing damage, in a recent study. The study also found that the children with hearing difficulties had a lower grade point average than their school mates. Read more

The cocktail party effect: How the brain filters noise

The brain filters noise. This is called the cocktail party effect Read more

July 17, 2008:

Pop and rock musicians at risk for noise induced hearing loss

Rock and pop musicians are at risk of having noise induced hearing loss the same way industrial workers do. Hearing loss may be considered an occupational injury among musicians. Read more

July 14, 2008, Germany:

Tougher noise guidelines in Germany

Guidelines for noise levels and precautionary measures at music events and venues in Germany have been tightened. The duration of high noise levels is no longer a determining factor in noise protection. If the maximum recommended average noise level of 85 dB is exceeded, the event or venue operator must warn the audience or guests about the risk of hearing loss. Read more

A bracelet to assist hearing impaired players

A new bracelet is coming to the aid of hearing impaired athletes. The bracelet may replace or supplement the whistle and the starter gun in some sports events. Read more

Airbags save lives, damage hearing

An airbag can save your life in a car accident, but it may also cost you your hearing. Among people in accidents with airbags deploying, 17 percent suffer permanent hearing loss, according to an American study. Read more

Regenerating damaged hearing cells may be possible

The possibility of regenerating damaged hearing cells has been supported by fetal stem-cell research. Actual treatment based on new techniques may be far into the future, according to scientists. Read more

June 27, 2008, USA:

Hispanics with risky listening habits

Hispanics put their hearing far more at risk than does the general population in the U.S. when listening to personal digital stereos. Read more

Goal!

If you are among thousands of exhilarated football fans screaming and yelling in a stadium you better watch out for your hearing, or the consequences could be serious. Read more

Search for the cure for tinnitus

Millions of people suffer from tinnitus. Scientists are carrying out an extensive research project to investigate the role of the brain in the creation of the unpleasant ringing and buzzing noises in the ear. The aim is to find an effective treatment or even a cure. Read more

June 13, 2008, Finland:

Hearing aids enhance quality of life

According to a Finnish study, 70 percent of people with untreated hearing loss feel handicapped. In contrast, many of those who overcome their reluctance to wear hearing aids experience significant improvements in their quality of life. Read more

Alcohol may reduce hearing

The ingestion of alcohol increases auditory thresholds and reduces hearing. Read more

Inner ear sound wave discovery

Sound waves in the inner ear are not just up-and-down waves. Some of the processed sound waves move from side to side. This new discovery expands our knowledge of how the inner ear functions and may affect future development of hearing aids. Read more

June 2, 2008:

Summer camp

The summer season is upon us and if your child is hearing impaired you may be considering a summer camp for hearing impaired children. Read more

May 30, 2008, USA:

Legislators weigh national tax credit for hearing aid

A drive to promote a national tax credit for Americans buying hearing aids is receiving widespread support among legislators in the United States Congress and hearing organizations across the USA. Read more

Classical musicians at extreme risk for hearing loss

An increasing number of classical musicians suffer from hearing loss, tinnitus and/or hyperacusis which may severely affect their professional and daily life. These conditions should be considered and treated as health care conditions. Read more

Hearing at risk in Mexico and Puerto Rico

Mexican and Puerto Rican adults make extended use of MP3 players and electronic devices alike. They are concerned about their hearing, yet they listen to music on these devices for long periods of time at high volume. Read more

Spain: One in ten schoolchildren with hearing loss

Ten percent of the school children in the Balearic Islands, Spain, hear below normal. Read more

Eardrops may cause hearing loss

Certain over-the-counter earwax softeners can cause severe inflammation and damage to the inner ear and eardrum if the patient has a perforated eardrum. Read more

May 8, 2008:

American soldiers lose hearing in war with insurgents and terrorists

Hearing damage is the no. 1 disability in the war on terrorism and the Iraq war, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs. Soldiers and Marines caught in roadside bombings and firefights in Iraq and Afghanistan are coming home in epidemic numbers with permanent hearing loss and ringing in their ears. Read more

May 7, 2008, USA:

Hearing impaired Oscar winner inspires ‘Dancing with the Stars’ audience

Oscar winning actress Marlee Matlin delivered another inspiring performance when she competed against other stars in the popular ’Dancing with the Stars’ reality TV dance contest on American TV in the spring of 2008. Unlike her competition Matlin is unable to hear the music. Read more

May 5, 2008:

Miners’ hearing at risk

Excessive noise levels in the mining industry causing hearing loss in mine workers. Read more

April 28, 2008, UK:

New ear infection Superbug resists approved drugs

A new highly drug-resistant “superbug” that causes acute ear infections in children is discovered. The “superbug” is resistant to all antibiotics currently used to fight ear infections in children. Ear infections may cause temporary or permanent hearing loss. Read more

April 17, 2008, UK:

Hearing loss research drastically under-funded

Research into hearing loss pays off for society in general and for business. Yet, the British society and the medical industry invest very little in this field of research, charges RNID in the Lancet medical journal. Read more

April 15, 2008, Spain:

Airplane noise unbearable

Increasing numbers of landing airplanes are the source of extreme levels of noise pollution for the residents in the southern part of Valencia, Spain. Exposure to excessive noise may cause hearing loss. Read more

April 10, 2008;

Noise induced hearing loss lessened by two chemical compounds

Noise induced hearing loss affects many people around the world. The exposure to sudden or recurrent excessive noise may cause hearing loss due to damage to the hair cells in the inner ear. Two chemical compounds may help to attenuate the hearing damage, according to a study. Read more

April 3, 2008, Sweden:

Major funding for noise research

New noise problems tend to appear just as others are being dealt with. More knowledge is needed, and it is of great importance to focus on noise in the workplace in order to limit hearing injuries and illnesses. Read more

Nursery school teachers wearing hearing protection

The noise in some Danish daycare institutions is so loud that the teachers must wear hearing protection. Read more

Hearing loss epidemic anticipated in young New Zealand generation

iPods, MP3 players and other personal stereos suspected of causing hearing loss among young New Zealanders. It may add up to a hearing loss epidemic, costing in terms of both loss of quality of life and money. Over the most recent five years the expenditures on hearing loss have doubled. Read more

Needlessly high prevalence of hearing loss in children of Sudan

Hereditary factors, damaging medication, and infections are causing hearing loss among the children of Sudan, according to a study. Researchers believe prevention would lower the prevalence. Read more

CI-operated still enjoy music after implantation

A cochlear implant, CI, is no barrier to continued enjoyment of music, according to a study of people who enjoyed good hearing prior to the hearing loss treated with cochlear implants. The improved hearing generally helps improve quality of life. Read more

March 12, 2008, USA:

Raising awareness of noise induced hearing loss

Noise induced hearing loss affects too many young people mainly due to noisy listening habits. A public educational campaign, ‘Turn it To the Left”, calls for education and prevention to combat this entirely preventable scourge. Read more

March 10, 2008, Denmark:

Battle against construction noise

Far too many construction workers ask ”What?” far too often because of hearing damaging noise in construction sites. Read more

School noise hard on pupils

Noise levels at school are much too high. The children become tired, unfocused and stressed and have a hard time hearing what is being said. Read more

One in five French teenagers hearing impaired

Loud music from MP3 players, in discos and at rock concerts is damaging the hearing of French teenagers. As many as one in five among French teenagers suffer from hearing problems. Read more

Headphones featuring hearing loss alarm

New technology makes it easier for parents to see when their kids turn up the music too loud on their MP3 player. Read more

MP3 players cause hearing loss at an early age

Loud music and long periods of listening wear the hearing down at an early age. A test showed that 45 out of 358 students at a prep school in the United States had significant hearing loss. The common denominator was that they all listened to MP3 players. Read more

February 18, 2008, New Zealand: