All articles tagged with #hearing loss
McKinnon Galloway was diagnosed with neurofibromatosis type 2 after a teen volleyball injury led to tumors pressing on nerves; she underwent multiple brain surgeries, lost her hearing in 2022, and now uses adaptive technology while advocating for others with NF2.
A health writer recounts how her husband’s decades-long dizziness and unilateral hearing loss were repeatedly dismissed as stress until a CT scan revealed a four-centimeter acoustic neuroma, a typically slow-growing benign brain tumor. Surgery to remove it left him with left facial and throat paralysis, underscoring how earlier imaging and specialist input could have reduced harm and why persistent symptoms deserve thorough evaluation.
Headlines that label hearing loss as the leading midlife dementia risk can be misleading. While hearing loss often coexists with cognitive decline, there’s no clear evidence that it directly causes dementia. The population-attributable-fraction metric depends on how common hearing loss is and its association with dementia, so individual risk remains modest. Hearing aids improve daily life and social connectedness, but evidence that they prevent dementia is limited, and most research comes from high‑income countries. More inclusive research is needed, but addressing hearing loss can support brain health and independence even if it doesn’t “cure” dementia.
A new study links age-related hearing loss (presbycusis) to cognitive decline through coupled functional and structural brain changes. Researchers introduce the Functional-Structural Ratio (FSR), derived from MRI measures, which correlates with worse hearing and poorer cognitive performance in specific brain regions, suggesting FSR could serve as a biomarker for dementia risk. While cross-sectional, the findings highlight the potential of preserving hearing health to protect brain integrity and guide early interventions.
A global review of more than 200 studies finds up to one-third of dementia cases are linked to diseases outside the brain, with gum disease, chronic liver disease, hearing loss, vision loss, and type 2 diabetes showing the strongest associations. While causality isn’t proven, researchers say preventing peripheral diseases could help mitigate dementia risk and may explain why brain-focused treatments have often failed, highlighting a complex brain–body network and new directions for prevention and research.
Tinnitus is a brain-ear miscommunication often linked to hair-cell damage and age-related hearing loss. The article explains the causes, emphasizes prevention (protect ears from loud noise with proper earplugs), and describes treatments like hearing aids and Tinnitus Retraining Therapy to improve quality of life, noting there is no cure but management can help, and suggests getting a hearing test if you notice ringing.
Researchers at Rockefeller University have successfully kept a segment of the mammalian cochlea alive outside the body, enabling detailed study of its active sound amplification process. This breakthrough confirms that mammals rely on a universal biophysical principle involving Hopf bifurcation for amplifying faint sounds, paving the way for new treatments for sensorineural hearing loss by understanding and potentially repairing hair cell damage.
During Alzheimer's Awareness Month, Dr. Keith Darrow and Hearing and Brain Centers of America promote proactive brain health strategies, including free assessments and resources, emphasizing the link between untreated hearing loss and increased dementia risk, and encouraging early intervention to improve quality of life and reduce future dementia cases.
Scientists discovered that mutations in the CPD gene cause a rare inherited form of hearing loss by disrupting arginine and nitric oxide signaling in inner ear cells. They found that existing drugs like Viagra and arginine supplements could potentially reverse this damage, offering a promising treatment avenue for this genetic condition.
The article compares Apple's AirPods Pro 3 to traditional hearing aids, highlighting their affordability, ease of use, and effectiveness for mild to moderate hearing loss, while noting limitations in battery life and professional support. It suggests AirPods as a good first step for those hesitant to invest in traditional hearing aids, emphasizing their role in reducing stigma and improving accessibility.
The article discusses personal experiences with tinnitus, including its causes, coping strategies, and the importance of acceptance, with some sharing hope that it can become less bothersome over time. It highlights various potential treatments, the impact of hearing damage, and the psychological aspects of living with tinnitus.
Stephen Greene, a healthy 44-year-old, experienced subtle symptoms like ear clogging and hearing loss, which led to the discovery of a rare, benign brain tumor called vestibular schwannoma. After diagnosis and a lengthy surgery, he faced a challenging recovery but is now gradually returning to normal life, highlighting the importance of paying attention to early symptoms and seeking medical advice.
A woman discovers her hearing loss was caused by earwax buildup, which was easily treatable, highlighting the importance of proper diagnosis and communication about hearing issues in families. The article also discusses the challenges of addressing hearing loss in loved ones and the importance of patience and gentle encouragement.
A recent study found that early use of hearing aids in adults under 70 with hearing loss can reduce the risk of dementia by over 50%, highlighting the importance of addressing hearing issues early to promote brain health and prevent cognitive decline.
A neurologist warns against common habits like using massage guns on the neck, listening to loud music, and holding in sneezes, as these actions can increase the risk of strokes, dementia, and other brain injuries. The advice emphasizes caution with neck treatments, protecting hearing, and proper sneezing techniques to prevent serious health issues.