All articles tagged with #audiology
Tinnitus, affecting one-quarter of the population, often stems from neural misfiring rather than external noise. While no cure exists, treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy, sound enrichment, and physiotherapy help manage distress. Experts emphasize ruling out medical causes and habituating to the sound to improve quality of life.
Untreated hearing loss is a major modifiable risk factor for dementia, with the World Health Organization estimating that addressing it could prevent up to 7% of global cases. While symptoms like difficulty following conversations in noisy rooms or tinnitus often develop gradually, leading to delays in seeking help, early intervention through hearing aids can restore social connection and cognitive engagement. Experts emphasize that modern devices are discreet and effective, urging regular screenings to mitigate long-term cognitive decline.
A German study of 28 listeners found The Hum is unlikely to be caused by external low-frequency noise sources. Most participants did not have exceptional low-frequency hearing, and otoacoustic emissions could not account for the sound. The leading explanation is low-frequency tinnitus or heightened sensitivity to low-frequency hearing in some individuals, with more research needed to fully understand how the auditory system processes low-frequency sound and infrasound.
The global hum is a persistent low-frequency noise reported by thousands since the 1970s, with notable cases from Bristol to Taos; the Worldwide Hum Project crowdsources reports but no single cause has been identified. Theories range from external sources like microseismic activity and pipelines to perceptual factors such as low-frequency tinnitus or atypical auditory processing. A 2026 NTNU study leans toward subjective tinnitus as a plausible explanation, though researchers believe multiple causes likely exist. For now, experts advise relaxation and reducing focus on the sound rather than seeking a definitive cure.
The FDA's 2022 approval of over-the-counter hearing aids has increased accessibility and reduced costs for seniors, who commonly experience age-related hearing loss. Popular options include behind-the-ear and in-the-ear models, with the Jabra Enhance Select 300 being a top choice for its sound quality and ease of use. Testing by experts, including audiologist Ruth Reisman, evaluated 22 hearing aids on quality, comfort, and performance.
Tinnitus, a condition affecting approximately 50 million people in the U.S., can be caused by noise-induced hearing loss and has no known cure. Seeking help from an audiologist for a hearing test and considering treatments like hearing aids and cognitive behavioral therapy can help manage the condition's impact on mental health. Prevention strategies include limiting exposure to loud noise, wearing hearing protection, getting regular hearing tests, and avoiding total silence by using white or brown noise to drown out the ringing.