Auditory NeuroscienceFeaturedGeneticsNeuroscience·April 12, 2025·4 min readSix1 Protein May Unlock New Clues to Congenital Hearing LossCongenital deafness affects roughly one in 1,000 babies and is often linked to genetic mutations, many of which remain unidentified. Researchers have now pinpointed a new set of candidate genes regulated by the protein Six1, which plays a critical role in inner ear development.Read More
Auditory NeuroscienceFeaturedNeurologyNeuroscience·January 14, 2025·5 min readHearing Loss May Signal Increased Risk of Parkinson’s DiseaseA new study has identified a potential link between hearing impairment and an increased risk of developing Parkinson’s disease. Researchers analyzed data from over 159,000 individuals, finding that every 10-decibel increase in hearing loss corresponded to a 57% higher risk of Parkinson’s.Read More
FeaturedGeneticsNeuroscience·November 18, 2024·5 min readDual-Gene Therapy Shows Promise for Hearing and Vision LossResearchers have developed a dual-gene therapy approach to treat Usher syndrome type 1F, a rare condition causing deafness and progressive blindness. By splitting the large PCDH15 gene into two halves, delivering them via adeno-associated viruses, and reassembling them in cells, the therapy restored hearing and balance in mice. Tests in human retinal organoids and primate retinas showed increased levels of protocadherin-15 in light-sensing cells, offering hope for vision preservation.Read More
Auditory NeuroscienceFeaturedNeuroscience·October 6, 2024·3 min readHearing Loss Disrupts Speech CoordinationA recent study reveals that hearing plays a vital role in coordinating speech movements. Researchers found that when individuals briefly couldn't hear their own speech, their ability to control their jaw and tongue movements declined.Read More
Auditory NeuroscienceFeaturedNeuroscience·February 12, 2024·3 min readBreakthrough in Battling Noise-Induced Hearing LossResearchers made a significant discovery in the fight against noise-induced hearing loss, identifying a molecular mechanism linked to cellular damage from excess zinc in the inner ear. The study demonstrates that drugs acting as zinc sponges can either restore hearing or protect against hearing loss if administered before exposure to loud sounds.Read More
Auditory NeuroscienceFeaturedNeuroscience·January 16, 2024·5 min readLoud Play, Silent Risk: Video Gaming’s Link to Hearing LossA systematic review indicates a potential risk of irreversible hearing loss and tinnitus among video gamers due to high sound levels. The study, encompassing over 50,000 individuals, found that sound levels in gaming often near or exceed safe limits.Read More
Auditory NeuroscienceFeaturedGeneticsNeuroscience·January 8, 2024·5 min readGene Linked to Hearing Loss From Loud Music and Aging IdentifiedResearchers made a groundbreaking discovery by linking a gene called TMTC4 to hearing loss. They found that mutations in this gene trigger a molecular process known as the unfolded protein response (UPR), leading to the death of hair cells in the inner ear, contributing to deafness.Read More
Auditory NeuroscienceFeaturedNeuroscience·January 4, 2024·4 min readWearing Hearing Aids May Reduce Mortality RiskRegular use of hearing aids is linked to a 24% lower risk of mortality among adults with hearing loss. This groundbreaking research highlights the potential health benefits of hearing aids beyond addressing hearing impairment.Read More
Auditory NeuroscienceFeaturedNeurologyNeuroscience·November 21, 2023·5 min readHearing Loss Linked to DementiaResearchers discovered that hearing loss in older adults is associated with specific brain changes, potentially increasing dementia risk. Using hearing tests and MRI, the study, identified microstructural differences in brain regions responsible for auditory processing, speech, and executive function in those with hearing impairment.Read More
Auditory NeuroscienceFeaturedNeuroscienceOpen Neuroscience Articles·September 13, 2023·7 min readNew Auditory Pathway Map Offers Hope for Profound Hearing LossResearchers have pioneered a non-invasive technique to map the human auditory pathway, crucial for determining the optimal surgical treatment for profound hearing loss. The method is designed to aid early interventions, ensuring the auditory-language network develops properly, enhancing long-term outcomes.Read More
Auditory NeuroscienceFeaturedNeuroscienceOpen Neuroscience Articles·August 24, 2023·4 min readUnlocking Sound: Common Supplement Might Combat Age-Related Hearing LossResearchers discovered a link between age-related hearing loss and decreased cholesterol in the inner ear. This cholesterol reduction affects the outer hair cells (OHCs), which are essential for amplifying sounds.Read More
Auditory NeuroscienceFeaturedNeuroscience·August 22, 2023·4 min readFine-Tuning Music for the Ears of the Hard-of-HearingA recent study highlighted the different music mix preferences of those with hearing loss. Researchers found that hard-of-hearing listeners favored louder vocals and clearer, high-frequency sounds.Read More
