Hearing Loss

Groundbreaking Study Identifies Genetic Mutation Linked to Hearing Loss, Offers New Prevention Strategy

Groundbreaking Study Identifies Genetic Mutation Linked to Hearing Loss, Offers New Prevention Strategy

Researchers at the University of California San Francisco (UCSF) have made a groundbreaking discovery that a genetic mutation responsible for a type of hearing loss operates similarly to the mechanisms involved in noise-induced and age-related hearing loss. This finding suggests that blocking this pathway could protect ears from damage and potentially prevent deafness. The UCSF team identified mutations in the Tmtc4 gene that trigger the unfolded protein response (UPR), a cellular process that typically helps manage misfolded proteins but can lead...

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Myths & Misconceptions About Hearing Loss and Hearing Aids

Many people have misconceptions about hearing loss and hearing aids. Understanding the facts is important for people to achieve better hearing and overall health. Here are five common myths about hearing loss and hearing aids.

1. Myth - Only older adults suffer hearing loss.

Out of the estimated 48 million Americans with hearing loss, 66% are younger than age 65. A study reported in the Journal of the American Medical...

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What infections are linked to hearing loss?

Many different types of infections can cause damage to the inner ear and cause balance problems, tinnitus, and hearing loss. While some people might recognize their hearing problems resulted from a recent illness, others might suffer hearing problems without knowing that they had infections. In these types of cases, the hearing problems might be the first sign that something is wrong. Some instances of hearing loss...

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Is hearing loss in one ear possible?

Is Hearing Loss in One Ear Possible?

For most people who have hearing loss, both of their ears will be affected. This type of hearing loss is called binaural hearing loss. However, it is possible to lose hearing in only one ear, which can happen at birth or later. Hearing loss in only one ear is known as unilateral loss. If the loss in the affected ear is profound, it is called single-sided deafness. The loss of hearing can occur suddenly or gradually. When the loss is sudden,...

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New Gene Therapy on the Horizon for Hearing Loss by Audiology by Accent in Gainesville Florida

New Gene Therapy on the Horizon for Hearing Loss

Many people with mild or moderate hearing loss rely on hearing aids to help them hear what others say. Other than some potential surgical procedures, hearing devices have traditionally been the type of help people have turned to when dealing with hearing loss. However, gene therapy might be a way to address hearing loss in the future. Researchers across the U.S. are investigating gene therapy as a possible way to help people recover their hearing abilities. Gene therapy in the inner...

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How Noise Exposure Can Cause Hearing Loss

How Noise Exposure Can Cause Hearing Loss

Exposure to loud environmental noise can cause permanent damage to the tiny hairs located inside of the cochlea. Your cochlea is an organ used for hearing inside of the inner ear. When these small hairs are damaged or destroyed, it can reduce your ability to hear sounds in a certain range. The damage is called noise-induced hearing loss, and it can either be immediate or gradual. immediate noise-induced hearing loss can occur when you are exposed to a sudden, loud...

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8 Everyday Noises That Could Cause Hearing Loss

8 Common Sounds That Can Damage Your Hearing

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, almost half of people ages 60 and older have a hearing loss. As more people live longer, the number of people with hearing loss is expected to reach 86 million by 2040. Hearing damage accumulates as people grow older, and many people who suffer from hearing loss were likely exposed to loud noise, causing damage over time. Repeated or prolonged exposure to noise of 85 decibels or higher can...

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10 mistaken ideas people have about hearing loss

10 Mistaken Ideas People Have About Hearing Loss

Many people have mistaken beliefs about people who have hearing loss. Because it can be invisible to others, hearing loss is not as easily recognizable as a disability to others in the way that mobility difficulties are. Clarifying misconceptions about hearing loss can help to reduce the stigma that people experience and lead to greater acceptance and understanding. Here are 10 of the most common misconceptions that many people have about what...

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Difficulties faced by hearing-impaired people with masking

The Challenges Of Communicating With A Mask While Hearing-Impaired

The COVID-19 pandemic has made the importance of face masks apparent because they can significantly reduce or eliminate the transfer of virus-containing respiratory droplets. For people who have hearing impairments or hearing loss, however, wearing face masks can pose a barrier to communication whether they are wearing hearing aids or not. Face masks can change the volume of sound from speaking and the clarity and tone of the words that are spoken. They can muffle...

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