Research

From the chronicles

Anxiety in people with hearing loss

Multiple studies have linked hearing loss with a greater chance of developing anxiety and experiencing psychological stress. Hearing loss can make it difficult to communicate and follow conversations, which may result in missing important information or social cues. This can cause feelings of exclusion and social anxiety. Some people with hearing loss also worry about their condition […]

Hearing aid use linked to a reduction in falling

Older adults with hearing loss in both ears are half as likely to fall if they use hearing aids compared to their peers who do not wear hearing aids, according to a new survey analysis. Wearing the hearing aids consistently reduces this risk even further, the survey found. Related post: Multi-tasking affects balance in […]

Hearing health in musicians

Musicians are aware of hearing health risks but lack sufficient discussion on the topic. A survey of 771 musicians revealed that while they recognize the necessity of hearing protection, they have concerns about its impact on performance quality. This indicates a need for more guidance and training to ensure effective protective measures without compromising musical […]

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Study shows gamers risk hearing loss

A survey of video gamers aged 18–35-years old found that more than three-quarters regularly engage in activities that can be detrimental to hearing, including 52% who use headphones for long periods or at loud volumes. Up to a third were aware of are already experiencing hearing loss. However, when informed of their risk for hearing […]

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Let’s not focus solely on hearing aids in reducing dementia risk

It is important not to focus solely on hearing loss or hearing aids because dementia risk may be attributable to many other health factors that intersect with hearing loss and communication. There is still no evidence based on randomized, controlled trial (RCT) studies that treating hearing loss reduces the risk of dementia. ACHIEVE is the […]

You should wear your hearing aids consistently– here is why!

Some fascinating research outlines why it is important to wear hearing aids consistently: In the second half of the experiment, some were able to ride a bicycle! If they had been able to remove the goggles for any length of time during the experiment, the results would not have been the same; the brain […]

Do hearing aids prevent dementia?

The short answer is that there is no evidence. The ACHIEVE trial results published in 2023 provide evidence that comprehensive aural rehab, with hearing aid use, effectively improves communication outcomes. However, there was no significant overall effect of aural rehab on the rate of cognitive decline. A reduction in the rate of cognitive decline was […]

Children are more susceptible to noise than adults!

Classrooms can be noisy! Classroom noise levels are expressed as signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), which compares the level of the signal (teacher’s voice) to the level of noise. A typical, noisy classroom will vary in SNR from + 5 to – 7 dB. Research showed that at 0 dB SNR, adults and older children, when compared […]

Did you hear? Silk can be used to reduce sound

The world is a noisy place. Unwanted noise is a problem in schools, in our homes, and in work spaces. An interdisciplinary collaboration of researchers from MIT developed a sound-suppressing silk fabric that could be used to create quiet spaces. An open-access paper about the research appears in the Advanced Materials journal. Let’s say your next-door neighbours […]

The link between exercise and hearing loss

Older adults with hearing loss are less physically active. This may mediate the association between hearing loss and other adverse outcomes. Recognition of this potential association is essential (Assi et al, 2024). The connection between exercise and better hearing has challenged the assumption that hearing loss is an inevitable part of aging. Research has consistently […]