A groundbreaking study highlights the role of sex and environmental factors in determining hearing sensitivity, with women showing superior capabilities compared to men across diverse populations. Recent research led by Dr Patricia Balaresque from the Centre for Biodiversity and Environmental Research in Toulouse, France, has revealed significant differences in hearing sensitivity between men and women, highlighting sex as the leading factor influencing auditory perception. The study, involving a total of 450 participants across 13 global populations—namely Ecuador, England, Gabon, South Africa, and Uzbekistan—was conducted to explore the complex interplay of biological and environmental influences on hearing sensitivity. The researchers focused…

As hearing capacity diminishes with age, many older adults resist seeking help for their hearing loss. This article explores the reasons behind this reluctance and offers strategies for families to encourage open discussions about hearing aids. As individuals age, their hearing capacity often diminishes, which can lead to significant challenges in communication and social interaction. The “Melody Audiology” publication highlights the difficulties that older adults face regarding hearing loss, particularly the resistance many show towards seeking assistance through hearing aids. The article delves into the underlying reasons for this hesitance, as well as strategies for family members to approach the…

Barry Price interviews Gerry McMurdie about the impact of sensory impairments on dementia care and effective strategies for caregivers. In a recent episode of The Care Social, Barry Price converses with Gerry McMurdie, a Dementia Specialist at Quality Compliance Systems (QCS), to delve into a critical yet often neglected aspect of dementia care: the effects of sensory loss. This discussion sheds light on how impairments in sight and hearing can complicate communication for individuals living with dementia, thereby potentially escalating the risk of falls and emotional withdrawal. Drawing from their extensive field experiences, Price and McMurdie articulate practical strategies that…

An international study finds women generally possess greater hearing sensitivity than men, potentially influencing household dynamics. Scientists have confirmed findings that suggest men generally possess less sensitive hearing compared to women, which might help explain certain familial dynamics regarding household chores. An international research team conducted extensive hearing tests on 450 individuals across 13 diverse global populations, including participants from Ecuador, England, Gabon, South Africa, and Uzbekistan. The study specifically examined the sensitivity of the cochlea within the ear, investigating how effectively it transmits brain signals in response to varying sound amplitudes and frequencies. It has long been noted that…

A breakthrough study from Japanese scientists offers promising genome editing solutions for hereditary hearing loss caused by the GJB2 R75W mutation. Scientists from Juntendo University and The University of Tokyo have made a significant advancement in the treatment of genetic hearing loss linked to the GJB2 R75W mutation. Their study, published in JCI Insight, showcases a groundbreaking adeno-associated virus (AAV)-based genome editing approach, which holds promise for those affected by this form of hereditary hearing loss. The GJB2 gene mutation is known to disrupt auditory function due to its impact on the integrity of gap junction plaques, which are crucial…

A new study suggests that certain foods can significantly lower the risk of developing tinnitus, a condition affecting millions worldwide, highlighting the importance of dietary choices. A recent study published in the journal BMJ Open has revealed a compelling link between diet and the risk of developing tinnitus, a condition affecting approximately 740 million individuals globally. Tinnitus is characterised by the perception of sound such as ringing, buzzing, or whooshing without any external source, and until now, treatment options have been limited, with no known cure. The research involved a comprehensive analysis of data from eight studies, encompassing over 301,000…

Recent advancements in AI are transforming audiology, making early detection of frequency loss more effective, particularly in adults over 65. Recent advancements in artificial intelligence are significantly enhancing the field of audiology, particularly in detecting early frequency loss in human hearing. This development is critical as many adults, especially those over 65, face declining sensitivity to higher frequencies due to factors like age, environmental exposure to noise, and genetic makeup. According to reports from ForexTV, the normal human hearing range spans from 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz, yet studies indicate that many middle-aged adults begin to experience diminished sensitivity to…

Roel van Gorkum has developed ‘Sus Tinnitus’, an online course combining various therapeutic methods to help those suffering from the condition, following his personal struggle with tinnitus. Roel van Gorkum, a 40-year-old biomedical engineer and former employee at ASML, has developed an innovative online course aimed at providing relief for those suffering from tinnitus, a condition characterised by persistent ringing or buzzing in the ears. Van Gorkum’s trouble with tinnitus began in 2018 following a kitesurfing incident in which a wave hit his ear, leaving him with a ringing that did not subside as it had in the past. “I…

The actress reflects on her health anxieties and the impact of hearing loss amid rising concerns about dementia in an ageing population. Stephanie Beacham, the 78-year-old actress known for her roles in “Strictly Come Dancing” and the American series “Dynasty,” has expressed her deep concern about the possibility of developing Alzheimer’s disease, stemming from her ongoing battle with hearing loss. In a recent interview with the Sunday Times Magazine, Beacham revealed the anxiety she faces regarding her health, drawing parallels to her father’s struggle with the condition. “He was also robbed of his sight and hearing: I couldn’t even hold…

Recent research suggests dietary choices could significantly influence the severity of tinnitus symptoms, highlighting the need for further investigation. Tinnitus, a condition commonly described as a ringing or buzzing in the ears, affects around 14% of adults globally and is often associated with emotional issues like depression and anxiety. Despite its prevalence, there is currently no definitive cure for this disorder. However, recent research from Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine suggests that diet may significantly influence the severity of tinnitus symptoms. The study, published in the peer-reviewed journal BMJ Open, compiles findings from eight observational studies involving over 300,000…

Hearing health is increasingly being recognised as a significant public health issue in the UK, with alarming statistics highlighting the urgency for improved care and accessibility. Hearing health is becoming an increasingly significant concern in the UK, where statistics reveal that one in three individuals experience hearing loss. Alarmingly, those affected commonly wait an average of ten years before seeking treatment, pointing to various barriers preventing access to adequate care. Recent projections suggest that, by 2030, hearing loss is set to become one of the top ten health burdens in the country, surpassing issues such as diabetes and cataracts. The…

The singer-songwriter shares her struggles with hearing impairment and its impact on her music career during a podcast interview. Singer-songwriter KT Tunstall has recently spoken candidly about her ongoing struggle with a serious health issue, specifically her hearing loss, during an episode of the Full Disclosure podcast. The musician, best known for her hit “Suddenly I See,” described her experiences to host James O’Brien, revealing how the condition has deeply impacted her life and career. During the conversation, KT expressed the challenges she faced, likening her situation to feeling “completely underwater.” She revealed that the onset of her hearing issues…