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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...

Restoring Hearing Could Boost Longevity: New Study Suggests a Link

A new study published in January 2024 highlights the potential impact of hearing aids on life expectancy. According to the research, improving hearing through the use of hearing aids might contribute to a longer life. This study sheds light on the broader health implications of addressing hearing loss, beyond the well-known benefits for communication and quality of life. Hearing Loss and Health Risks Hearing loss is a common issue, particularly among older adults. The study found that...

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...

Smartphone App Delivers Effective Tinnitus Relief Through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Study Finds

A recent publication in Frontiers in Audiology and Otology reveals a groundbreaking study conducted by researchers at Waipapa Taumata Rau, University of Auckland, which demonstrates the efficacy of a new smartphone app in reducing the distress of tinnitus. This condition, characterized by hearing sound when no external sound is present, often leads to significant psychological strain, including anxiety and depression. The application, named

Exploring Hearing Aids: Key Insights Before You Dive In

Living with hearing loss can significantly impact your daily life, making you feel disconnected during conversations, strained at social gatherings, and challenged by activities like watching TV that once brought joy. This can lead to feelings of exhaustion, anxiety, and in severe cases, isolation and depression. However, hearing aids offer a beacon of hope, addressing many of these issues and enhancing life quality. Yet, embarking on the journey of using them can seem overwhelming, and...

Enhancing Hearing Aid Experience for Older Adults: Challenges, Solutions, and Expert Advice

This article, which originates from KFF Health News, delves into the critical yet sometimes challenging world of hearing aids for the elderly. While these devices are indispensable for better communication and engagement, many older adults encounter difficulties in their usage, ranging from inserting the aids to dealing with their maintenance, and still struggling with auditory clarity. The necessity of hearing aids grows with age, as evidenced by a comprehensive study in JAMA Open Network revealing that...

Unlock the Shocking Truth: How Krakatoa’s Roar Reveals Secrets to Safeguarding Your Hearing

The eruption of Krakatoa on May 20, 1883, stands as a monumental event in natural history, particularly in the study of sound and its impact on hearing health. This Indonesian volcano's eruption was not only a powerful geological phenomenon but also an extraordinary acoustic event. Recorded at an astonishing 310 dB SPL, the sound of Krakatoa's eruption traveled incredibly vast distances, being detected as far as 1,300 miles away in the Bay of Bengal and even on islands nearly 3,000 miles...

Caught Up in the Codes: Benefits of Unbundled Pricing

Have you ever gotten a medical bill that was far more than you expected to pay, and you couldn’t even figure out what services it actually covered? This is an all too common occurrence in the medical field where complicated codes must correspond with each and every service provided. Current Procedural Terminology, or CPT, codes are set forth by the American Medical Association. These unique codes are designed to cover medical, surgical and diagnostic services. However, if a service does not...