News on Hearing Research

A new study indicates that hearing loss, even mild hearing loss, can lead to brain atrophy in adults. Treatments, such as hearing aids, may help slow down this decline.

Two new team members have joined the Ida Institute: Timothy Cooke as Web Content Editor and Ena Nielsen as Project Manager.

In a recent study, men were found to perform better localizing sounds in situations where background noise was present. This finding may be related to a mechanism in the brain that helps with attention.

Two new proteins have been discovered which are instrumental in the ear's ability to respond to sound vibrations. These proteins are also linked to Usher Syndrome, a genetic disorder that causes hearing loss as well as balance and vision problems.

Researchers are investigating how to help people with cochlear implants get more enjoyment from listening to music.

New tree frog research providing insight into how humans auditory systems discern overlapping voices in a noisy environment.

Researchers in Australia have found that patients suffering from hearing loss which began during infancy and childhood could benefit from a transplant of stem cells from their nose.

New hearing loss research has revealed that a novel molecular mechanism that underlies deafness is caused by a mutation of microRNA called miR-96. The discovery could provide the basis for treating progressive hearing loss and deafness.

GUMC neuroscientists have found neurons in the brains of bats that seem to shush other neurons when relevant communications sounds come in and is a process that may be working in humans as well.

A new study shows that our brains are wired so we can better hear ourselves speak. The findings may be helpful in better understanding some aspects of auditory hallucinations, such as those experienced by people who suffer from schizophrenia.

University of Northern Colorado faculty member Deanna Meinke earned an award from the Illinois Academy of Audiology recognizing her hearing loss research in the early detection and prevention of noise induced hearing loss among veterans.

Genetic research in Germany and England recently discovered a new class of gene, which when mutated, turns out to be a reason for early hearing loss.

Viagra, a common drug used to treat erectile dysfunction, has again been shown to cause hearing loss.

Film director Ken Loach has officially opened a new research lab which explores pioneering ways of improving communication between parents and children with hearing difficulties. The Family Lab is part of the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Biomedical Research Unit in Hearing.

Researchers at the University of Minnesota Medical School have gained insight into how different types of age related hearing loss may occur in humans. The discovery could eventually help physicians develop drugs to combat progressive hearing loss.

Deaf or blind people often report enhanced abilities in their remaining senses. Researchers have discovered there is a causal link between enhanced visual abilities and reorganization of the part of the brain that usually handles auditory input.

Playing white noise in class can help inattentive children learn. Researchers tested a group of 51 schoolchildren and found white noise hindered the ability of children who normally pay attention but improved the memory of children who have difficulties in paying attention.

Researchers have tracked a cell-to-cell signaling pathway that designates the future location of the ear's sensory organs in embryonic mice. The results suggest an avenue for further investigation in restoring hearing loss from nerve damage.

A new survey found an increase in the number of Americans reporting hearing loss as well as a low percentage of hearing impaired people who use hearing aids, only 4 in 10 people with moderate to severe hearing loss and only 1 in 10 people with mild hearing loss.

All sounds echo, but when a sound reaching the ear is loud enough, auditory neurons simply accept that sound and ignore subsequent reverberations.

Studies reveal our hearing is more than simply listening with our ears; in fact our hearing is skin deep, literally.

Researchers have identified a gene mutation that causes a rare form of hearing loss known as auditory neuropathy.

New research shows that a healthy cardiovascular system boosts our hearing over time, particularly among older adults. The study also shows that cardiovascular fitness can protect our hearing by having a beneficial effect on the vascular pattern of the cochlea and, consequently, on hearing loss prevention.

Unlike birds and fish, humans don’t have the ability to grow new hair cells if some are lost due to disease, drugs, or long-term exposure to noise. All of that is about to change.

Research uncovers potential drug treatment for noise-induced hearing loss. The finding paves the way for effective non-surgical therapies to restore hearing loss after noise-induced injury.