Related Hearing Loss Research Articles

Comparative analysis of drop impact resistance for different polymer based materials used for hearing aid casing

Hearing disability is commonly observed in old age person. It is observed that for the age limit 55 to 80 years around 40% of individuals are facing age related hearing loss. Light weight hearing aid made of composites are being used very frequently. There are two types of hearing aids canal: In-the-ear (ITE), Behind-the-ear (BTE); out of which BTE is commonly preferred. Around 38% of BTE aids fail in their operation due to the impact generated by mishandling. Drop test measures the impact and fragility of the component. It particularly determines how the component performs under external the impact of the load. In the present study, drop impact numerical analysis has been carried out using ANSYS workbench explicit dynamic module for hearing aid casing. Three different polymer materials namely Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), Polylactic Acid (PLA) and Thermoplastic Polyurethane (TPU) have been used. The main purpose of the analysis is to determine the maximum deformation and critical area when it falls on the ground. Load conditions like impact velocity and height have been considered as per the IS standard IS: 11052–1984 for the flat and side drop test. It is observed that maximum deformations were observed in TPU as compared to PLA and ABS irrespective of velocity. In addition, contact force was observed maximum in PLA and minimum in ABS irrespective of velocity which leads to minimum internal energy for PLA. TPU and ABS could be the second choice of material after PLA for the hearing aid casing.

Effects of transparent and opaque facemasks on audiovisual speech perception

Face masks reduce the spread of COVID-19 but hinder speech perception. Masks reduce visual feedback, filter the acoustic signal, and affect speech movements. Older adults, particularly those with aging related hearing loss, are impacted by the reduction of auditory and visual cues when communicating with masks. Face masks also pose a challenge to medical professionals when relaying important information to patients. Transparent masks with a clear window across the mouth may facilitate masked communication; however it is unknown if visual feedback through the transparent mask facilitates speech perception given the reduced acoustic signal. We examined speech intelligibility through masks using unpredictable sentences, recorded by two adults, that limit guessing words based on context. We presented sentences mixed with multitalker babble in four conditions (no mask, disposable, transparent, and N95 mask). Listeners, recruited online, typed what they heard. Percent words correct was scored by a text-matching algorithm, allowing for morphological errors and homonyms. We will determine the visual benefit of the transparent masks over the other masked conditions. Results of this study may increase awareness among healthcare providers about how different mask types can affect communication and empower individuals to decide which masks to wear in different communicative contexts.

Progression of KCNQ4 related genetic hearing loss: a narrative review

Abstract KCNQ4 gene mutation can lead to deafness non-syndromic autosomal dominant 2A, which is a type of autosomal dominant non-syndromic hearing loss. Deafness non-syndromic autosomal dominant 2A patients with KCNQ4 gene mutation usually present with symmetrical, delayed, progressive high-frequency-affected hearing loss, which eventually can involve all frequencies. In this article, we comprehensively reviewed the research on the role and function of KCNQ4 gene in genetic hearing loss. We discussed the pathological and physiological mechanisms of KCNQ4 gene and the related clinical phenotypes of KCNQ4 gene mutations. We also reviewed the latest developments in the treatment of KCNQ4 gene mutation-related genetic hearing loss, including selective potassium channel activation drugs and gene therapy.

Auditory processing abilities in pitch and duration pattern tests for elderly:

Purpose: to analyze the performance of elderly people with hearing loss compared to normal-hearing elderly people in the Pitch Pattern Sequence Test (PPS) and Duration Pattern Sequence Test (DPS). Research strategy: Electronic search strategies were individually developed for each of the following databases: LILACS, LIVIVO, Pubmed, Scopus, SpeechBITE and Web of Science. Grey literature was searched by using Google Scholar, OpenGrey and Proquest Dissertations and Theses. Selection criteria: Observational studies that evaluated elderly (over 60 years old) with age related hearing loss or presbycusis, ranging from mild to moderately severe, with different scores, compared to normal hearing for pitch (PPS) or duration pattern sequence (DPS) tests were included. The methodology of selected studies was evaluated using Meta-Analysis of Statistics Assessment and Review Instrument (MAStARI) critical appraisal tools for cross sectional studies. No restrictions regarding language, period of publication or gender were applied. Results: Title and summary of 1042 articles were analyzed after duplicates were removed. From this analysis, the full texts of 15 articles were analyzed. Five studies were included in this systematic review, three studies used the Musiek DPS version, two used the Auditec DPS and PPS version. Risk of bias was low (three studies) and moderate (two studies), according to this protocol. Conclusion: This systematic review showed no score differences between groups with presbycusis compared with normal hearing for DPS and PPS test. More primary studies utilizing the same protocol for PPS and DPS are needed.

Safety and Efficacy for the Combination of Alpha Lipoic Acid, Gingko Biloba, Vitamin C, Zinc, Magnesium, Vitamin B6, Methylcobalamin, Vitamin E and Chromium Picolinate for the Medical Management of Age Related Hearing Loss: Post Marketing Surveillance Study

Introduction: Age related hearing loss is defined as a bilateral, progressive, symmetrical age-related sensorineural hearing loss, which is most pronounced at the higher frequencies. It is considered that oxidative stress has a central role in the pathology of age-related hearing loss so, this study was conducted to test the efficacy and safety for the combination of antioxidants for the treatment of age-related hearing loss. Methodology: This was a multi-centric study conducted at 11 clinical trial sites. Out of total 176 enrolled, 160 trial subjects completed the study. For efficacy assessment, 2 parameters were used including hearing related quality of life score and score obtained from hearing impairment questionnaire on day 0 (visit 1), 45 (visit 2) and 90 (visit 3). Results: At visit 1, the mean hearing related quality of life score was 4.437 increased to 5.725 at visit 2 and further increased to 6.906 at visit 3. At visit 2 and 3, the increase in hearing related quality of life score was 29.028% and 55.645% respectively as compared to baseline. The score obtained from hearing impairment questionnaire was 25.581 at visit 1 reduced to 16.200 and further reduced to 9.943 at visit 3. Conclusion: The combination of Alpha lipoic acid, Gingko biloba, Vitamin C, Zinc, Magnesium, Vitamin B6, Methyl cobalamin, Vitamin E and Chromium Picolinate can be used for the medical management of age related hearing loss.

Staged HIPEC may be feasible when it is not possible along with the same setting of CRS

This review address cisplatin-induced hearing loss and various strategies tested to prevent this adverse effect. Cisplatin ototoxicity molecular pathways are still being investigated. Through the action of several transporters cisplatin enters targeted cells in the cochlea. After it enters the cochlea once, is retained for months to years. Cisplatin can inhibit protein synthesis, cause DNA damage and generate reactive oxygen species that can lead to inflammation and apoptosis of outer hair cells, resulting in permanent hearing loss. To prevent cisplatin ototoxicity utilized antioxidants, transport inhibitors, G-protein receptor agonists, and anti-inflammatory agents. There are no Food And Drug Administration-approved drugs to prevent cisplatin ototoxicity. Based on the long-term retention of cisplatin in the inner ear, any approved medication should either prevent passage of cisplatin into the inner ear or have the capability to continually protect against ototoxicity for months to years. Objective: “This study starts to explain why patients who receive the drug sustain hearing loss,” Although corticosteroids may help to mitigate the ototoxic side effects of cisplatin, there are complications associated with their systemic and prolonged use “This is very important, because as we come to understand how cisplatin related hearing loss occurs, over time we may figure out a way to block it, or at least diminish its effects.”

Potential Cause of Hearing Loss from Cis-platin

This review address cisplatin-induced hearing loss and various strategies tested to prevent this adverse effect. Cisplatin ototoxicity molecular pathways are still being investigated. Through the action of several transporters cisplatin enters targeted cells in the cochlea. After it enters the cochlea once, is retained for months to years. Cisplatin can inhibit protein synthesis, cause DNA damage and generate reactive oxygen species that can lead to inflammation and apoptosis of outer hair cells, resulting in permanent hearing loss. To prevent cisplatin ototoxicity utilized antioxidants, transport inhibitors, G-protein receptor agonists, and anti-inflammatory agents. There are no Food And Drug Administration-approved drugs to prevent cisplatin ototoxicity. Based on the long-term retention of cisplatin in the inner ear, any approved medication should either prevent passage of cisplatin into the inner ear or have the capability to continually protect against ototoxicity for months to years. Objective: “This study starts to explain why patients who receive the drug sustain hearing loss,” Although corticosteroids may help to mitigate the ototoxic side effects of cisplatin, there are complications associated with their systemic and prolonged use “This is very important, because as we come to understand how cisplatin related hearing loss occurs, over time we may figure out a way to block it, or at least diminish its effects.”

Results of a Protocol for Targeted Testing of Congenital Cytomegalovirus Infection in Babies who Fail the Newborn Hearing Screen

<strong>Background and objectives:</strong> Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a major cause of sensorineural hearing loss in children [1]. Universal screening is controversial due to the low risk of CMV-related hearing loss [2]. The prevalence of CMV related hearing loss is 0.5 in 1000 children and is thought to be responsible for 15% to 20% of moderate-to-severe hearing loss in children [3, 4]. Since 2018, New York state law requires targeted CMV testing for newborns who “refer” on the Newborn Hearing Screen (NBHS) prior to discharge from the hospital at birth [5]. This is a report of a CMV testing protocol implemented at a community hospital for newborns who “refer” on the NBHS. <strong>Methods:</strong> Clinical records of all neonates born at BronxCare Health System (BCHS) who did not pass the NBHS between March 2019 and September 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. All newborns are screened using Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) and those who do not pass are referred for audiology evaluation. Newborns who failed NBHS were tested for CMV prior to hospital discharge using Salivary Real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) (Quest Diagnostics). Positive results were confirmed with serum PCR. We analyzed NBHS, audiology evaluation and CMV testing results. <strong>Results:</strong> A total of 3555 newborns had NBHS performed; 44 did not pass and were referred for audiology evaluation within 2 weeks of hospital discharge. Of these 44, CMV testing was done for 37 (84%) while 7 (16%) were not tested for CMV. Of those tested, salivary PCR detected CMV in two patients: the first had negative confirmatory serum PCR test; the second was confirmed positive and treated with ganciclovir. This patient, who is confirmed positive, had inconclusive results on follow-up audiology evaluation and was referred for Early Intervention services. Of the original cohort of 44 patients who were referred to audiology; thirty-three (75%) passed audiology evaluation and eleven did not. Of these eleven, two cases were followed successfully and have confirmed hearing loss, while 9 were lost to subsequent audiology follow-up. Of the two hearing loss cases; one was the confirmed CMV positive baby who started treatment with valganciclovir, while the other was CMV negative. Of the nine newborns who were lost to audiology follow up, 8 were tested negative for CMV while one baby was not tested for CMV. <strong>Conclusion:</strong> At BCHS, the prevalence of CMV related hearing loss is 0.28/1000 as compared to the reported prevalence of 0.5/1000. Eighteen months of targeted CMV testing in newborns who did not pass the NBHS found only one confirmed case of congenital CMV infection. This suggests that targeted CMV screening based on NBHS results misses some cases of congenital CMV infection. Of the eligible newborns who failed NBHS; seven were not tested for CMV. The testing protocol will need further refinement to avoid missing patients in the future.

Supplementary Effect of Choline Alfoscerate on Speech Recognition in Patients With Age-Related Hearing Loss: A Prospective Study in 34 Patients (57 Ears).

To investigate the effect of choline alfoscerate (CA) on hearing amplification in patients with age related hearing loss, we performed a prospective case-control observational study from March 2016 to September 2020. We assessed patients with bilateral word recognition score (WRS) <50% using monosyllabic words. The patients were 65–85 years old, without any history of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, parkinsonism, or depression. After enrollment, all patients started using hearing aids (HA). The CA group received a daily dose of 800 mg CA for 11 months. We performed between-group comparisons of audiological data, including pure tone audiometry, WRS, HA fitting data obtained using real-ear measurement (REM), and the Abbreviated Profile of Hearing Aid benefit scores after treatment. After CA administration, the WRS improved significantly in the CA group (4.2 ± 8.3%), but deteriorated in the control group (−0.6 ± 8.1%, p = 0.035). However, there was no significant between-group difference in the change in pure tone thresholds and aided speech intelligibility index calculated from REM. These findings suggest that the difference in WRS was relevant to central speech understanding rather than peripheral audibility. Therefore, administering oral CA could effectively enrich listening comprehension in older HA users.

What happens when the newborn hearing screening program is integrated with congenital Cytomegalovirus infection screening? Preliminary results in a tertiary hospital

Objective Early diagnosis of congenital Cytomegalovirus (cCMV) infection related hearing loss has increased since the spread of newborn hearing screening (NHS) programs worldwide. However, since most newborns affected are asymptomatic at birth but may develop hearing loss later, some of them may elude the NHS. The aim of this study was to compare the results in two cohorts of children, in one of which all newborns who failed the NHS were tested for cCMV. Methods We retrospectively compared the results of early diagnosis of cCMV-related hearing loss between two groups of patients at a high-volume centre. Group 1 included the first 3 years of activity without a targeted cCMV screening and was composed of children born between 2012 and 2014. Group 2 included neonates born between 2015 and 2017: in this group, those who failed the NHS underwent urine CMV analysis within 14 days. Results There were 17,229 live births during the study period, 20 were diagnosed with cCMV infection, with a global prevalence of 1.1:1000. 72 neonates (0.42%) with hearing loss were identified, 7% of which were diagnosed with cCMV infection, 3/34 (8.8%) in group 1 and 2/38 (5.3%) in group 2 (p = .66). One newborn in group 2 was identified through the protocol. The percentage of patients affected by cCMV-related hearing loss diagnosed during the NHS showed non-significant differences in the two groups. Conclusion Our results suggest that the suspicion index of cCMV infection in a tertiary hospital is currently high and neonatologists are able to identify most symptomatic cases which have higher risk of developing hearing loss. Coupling the cCMV screening and the NHS program is worthwhile as it allows early recognition of asymptomatic cases with hearing loss and subsequent immediate administration of antiviral therapy.

Acute Sensorineural Hearing Loss - an Unusual Presentation of Uncontrolled DM

Abstract Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a systemic metabolic disorder that possesses macro- and microangiopathic consequences. Studies have demonstrated that a relationship exists between sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) and DM, particularly in patients of older age, longer disease duration, and uncontrolled DM. The pathophysiology of DM related hearing loss is poorly understood, however proposed mechanisms include ischemia, fibrosis, demyelination, and atrophy of the eighth cranial nerve. We however, present a case of acute, transient sensorineural hearing loss in the setting of diabetic ketoacidosis that resolved with blood glucose control. Clinical Case: A 34-year-old male with type 2 diabetes mellitus (A1c 6.5% -diagnosed 6 months prior), hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and morbid obesity presented with shortness of breath and acute hearing loss without tinnitus, after being treated for pneumonia and otitis media with a course of levofloxacin for 7 days. On presentation, patient was tachypneic and tachycardic. Physical examination was significant for mild erythema of the right tympanic membrane without bulging, fluid level, mastoid tenderness, or discharge. Laboratory values were significant for hyperglycemia with blood glucose of 628 mg/dL(n 70–99 mg/dL), A1c 15.9% (n 4.8–5.6%), bicarbonate 8 mmol/L (21–31 mmol/L), anion gap 37 mmol/L (9–16 mmol/L), beta-hydroxybutyrate 11.7 mmol/L (0.02–0.27 mmol/L). Venous gas was suggestive of metabolic acidosis, urinalysis was positive for moderate ketones and glucose &amp;gt;500 mg/dL. The patient was diagnosed with diabetic ketoacidosis and was started on an insulin drip. An audiogram revealed profound bilateral sensorineural hearing loss. A Computerized tomography (CT) scan of the bilateral temporal bones was negative for abnormalities, and a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain was negative for morphologic abnormalities of 7th and 8th cranial nerves. Infectious and rheumatologic etiologies were excluded with normal syphilis FTA-ABs, Lyme PCR, Rheumatoid factor, ANCA, and ANA. The patient received one dose of empiric prednisone. His hearing improved after 2 days with normalization of blood glucose to a range of 100–200 mg/dL. A repeat audiogram and auditory brainstem response showed significant improvement with normal bilateral hearing. Discussion: SNHL in DM typically presents in a gradual progression with bilateral involvement, affecting higher frequencies. In patients with DM, studies show that chronicity (greater than 10 years) is strongly associated with SNHL. Other variables include older age and HbA1c greater than 8%. This is the first case to demonstrate acute bilateral SNHL, associated with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes mellitus, which resolved after blood glucose control. In the appropriate context, clinicians should consider significant hyperglycemia as a possible etiology of acute hearing loss.

PRDX1 activates autophagy via the PTEN-AKT signaling pathway to protect against cisplatin-induced spiral ganglion neuron damage

ABSTRACT Spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs) are auditory neurons that relay sound signals from the inner ear to the brainstem. The ototoxic drug cisplatin can damage SGNs and thus lead to sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL), and there are currently no methods for preventing or treating this. Macroautophagy/autophagy plays a critical role in SGN development, but the effect of autophagy on cisplatin-induced SGN injury is unclear. Here, we first found that autophagic flux was activated in SGNs after cisplatin damage. The SGN apoptosis and related hearing loss induced by cisplatin were alleviated after co-treatment with the autophagy activator rapamycin, whereas these were exacerbated by the autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine, indicating that instead of inducing SGN death, autophagy played a neuroprotective role in SGNs treated with cisplatin both in vitro and in vivo. We further demonstrated that autophagy attenuated reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation and alleviated cisplatin-induced oxidative stress in SGNs to mediate its protective effects. Notably, the role of the antioxidant enzyme PRDX1 (peroxiredoxin 1) in modulating autophagy in SGNs was first identified. Deficiency in PRDX1 suppressed autophagy and increased SGN loss after cisplatin exposure, while upregulating PRDX1 pharmacologically or by adeno-associated virus activated autophagy and thus inhibited ROS accumulation and apoptosis and attenuated SGN loss induced by cisplatin. Finally, we showed that the underlying mechanism through which PRDX1 triggers autophagy in SGNs was, at least partially, through activation of the PTEN-AKT signaling pathway. These findings suggest potential therapeutic targets for the amelioration of drug-induced SNHL through autophagy activation. Abbreviations: 3-MA: 3-methyladenine; AAV : adeno-associated virus; ABR: auditory brainstem responses; AKT/protein kinase B: thymoma viral proto-oncogene; Baf: bafilomycin A1; CAP: compound action potential; COX4I1: cytochrome c oxidase subunit 4I1; Cys: cysteine; ER: endoplasmic reticulum; H2O2: hydrogen peroxide; HC: hair cell; MAP1LC3B/LC3B: microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 beta; NAC: N-acetylcysteine; PRDX1: peroxiredoxin 1; PTEN: phosphatase and tensin homolog; RAP: rapamycin; ROS: reactive oxygen species; SGNs: spiral ganglion neurons; SNHL: sensorineural hearing loss; SQSTM1/p62: sequestosome 1; TOMM20: translocase of outer mitochondrial membrane 20; TUNEL: terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end-labeling; WT: wild type.

Molecular diagnosis of SLC26A4-related hereditary hearing loss in a group of patients from two provinces of Iran.

The SLC26A4 gene has been described as the second gene involved in most cases of autosomal recessive non-syndromic hearing loss (ARNSHL), after GJB2. Over 500 different SLC26A4 mutations have been reported, with each ethnic population having its own distinctive mutations. Here, we aimed to determine the frequency and mutation profile of the SLC26A4 gene from two different provinces (center and west) of Iran. This study included 50 nuclear families with two or more siblings segregating presumed ARNSHL. All affected tested negative for mutations in GJB2 at the DFNB1 locus and were therefore screened for autozygosity by descent using short tandem repeat polymorphisms (STRPs) of DFNB4. Sanger sequencing was performed to screen the 20 exons of the SLC26A4 gene for the families linked to this locus. In silico analyses were also performed using available software tools. Four out of 25 (16%) and 3 of 25 (12%) studied families of Isfahan and Hamedan provinces, respectively. were linked to DFNB4. Sanger sequencing led to the identification of six different mutations, one of which (c.919-2A>G) was recurrent and accounted for 31% of all mutant alleles. One out of 7 (14.3%) families with mutations were confirmed to be Pendred syndrome (PS). The SLC26A4 mutations have a high carrying rate in ARNSHL Iranian patients. The identification of a disease causing mutation can be used to establish a genotypic diagnosis and provide important information to the patients and their families.

Trajetória de trabalhadores com perda auditiva induzida por ruído na rede de assistência à saúde do sul do país

Este artigo tem como objetivo analisar a percepção de trabalhadores com perda auditiva induzida ao ruído (PAIR) com relação às suas condições de trabalho e sua trajetória pela rede de atenção a saúde. Trata-se de um estudo exploratório com abordagem qualitativa, a partir das notificações por PAIR realizada pela principal referência auditiva em atenção secundária no período de 2016 a 2018. Os resultados mostram as percepções dos trabalhadores com PAIR e seus efeitos a exposição ao ruído, os riscos químicos e ergonômicos, as condições penosas de trabalho, uso de equipamentos de proteção, a satisfação com o trabalho, a procura pelos serviços de saúde. O atendimento na rede de serviço de saúde vai permitir a identificação do provável problema auditivo, a percepção sobre o acolhimento recebido pela unidade básica de saúde e os desdobramentos do caso. Conclui-se que a unidade básica de saúde precisa de ajustes a fim de aprimorar sua função na rede, no que tange ao retorno e acompanhamento do usuário trabalhador após o diagnóstico de PAIR, bem como revisão do monitoramento e avaliação nas linhas-guia (fluxo e contrafluxo) e reajustar o processo de gestão da saúde do trabalhador.

Developing a temporal processing-based auditory training program for the senior users of hearing aids: a home PC-based program

Background and Aim: One of the consequences of aging is temporal processing impairment and reduced neural synchronization, which reduces speech comprehension in challenging situations such as noisy and reflective environments. This study aimed to develop a novel temporal processing-based auditory training program for the senior users of hearing aids. Methods: The program was designed based on different aspects of temporal processing and consists of multiple duty including: 1) detect the number of stimuli, 2) detect the pitch of the stimuli, 3) detect the duration pattern, 4) detect the number of nonsense speech stimuli in noise, and 5) detect the gap in noise. The program consists of 36 sessions (1800 exercises) and one or more features of temporal processing are challenged in all sections. Results: Content validity ratio, content validity index and impact score were used for validation. The results showed acceptable validity. Conclusion: Since training exercises can improve the physiological representation of sounds by changing hearing maps and temporal decoding, and these changes lead to improved perception, therefore, the auditory rehabilitation program for the seniors with emphasis on the temporal features of speech, was designed and developed. So it is hoped that with the implementation of the rehabilitation program in the seniors with hearing loss, the effects of age related hearing loss, including depression and social isolation, will be reduced to some extent. Keywords: Aging; presbycusis; temporal processing; auditory training; hearing loss

The Future of Preoperative Assessments-Could Simple, Affordable Headphones Help Professionals Communicate with Children Preoperatively?

Children undergoing anaesthetics for medical or surgical procedures need to hear to communicate, assent, consent and understand what is happening on the day of surgery. Temporary hearing loss secondary to a condition called glue ear (also known as Otitis Media with Effusion, OME) is common in children, affecting 80% of children at least once before the age of 10years. Surgery (tympanostomy tubes, ventilation tubes or grommet insertion operations) to provide a resolution for glue ear is one of the most common operations in children. Studies show that simple, affordable headsets that work via bone-conduction (BC) technology help children with glue ear related hearing loss. In hospitals globally, health professionals have challenges with communication whilst wearing face masks, PPE and social distancing which impact most on patients with a hearing loss. Affordable BC headsets to assist listening could potentially be a preoperative solution to improve communication, assent and anxiety in children with evidence of glue ear.

Glucose hypometabolism in the Auditory Pathway in Age Related Hearing Loss in the ADNI cohort

PurposeHearing loss (HL) is one of the most common age-related diseases. Here, we investigate the central auditory correlates of HL in people with normal cognition and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and test their association with genetic markers with the aim of revealing pathogenic mechanisms. MethodsBrain glucose metabolism based on FDG-PET, self-reported HL status, and genetic data were obtained from the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) cohort. FDG-PET data was analysed from 742 control subjects (non-HL with normal cognition or MCI) and 162 cases (HL with normal cognition or MCI) with age ranges of 72.2 ± 7.1 and 77.4 ± 6.4, respectively. Voxel-wise statistics of FDG uptake differences between cases and controls were computed using the generalised linear model in SPM12. An additional 1515 FDG-PET scans of 618 participants were analysed using linear mixed effect models to assess longitudinal HL effects. Furthermore, a quantitative trait genome-wide association study (GWAS) was conducted on the glucose uptake within regions of interest (ROIs), which were defined by the voxel-wise comparison, using genotyping data with 5,082,878 variants available for HL cases and HL controls (N = 817). ResultsThe HL group exhibited hypometabolism in the bilateral Heschl’s gyrus (kleft = 323; kright = 151; Tleft = 4.55; Tright = 4.14; peak Puncorr < 0.001), the inferior colliculus (k = 219;T = 3.53; peak Puncorr < 0.001) and cochlear nucleus (k = 18;T = 3.55; peak Puncorr < 0.001) after age correction and using a cluster forming height threshold P < 0.005 (FWE-uncorrected). Moreover, in an age-matched subset, the cluster comprising the left Heschl’s gyrus survived the FWE-correction (kleft = 1903; Tleft = 4.39; cluster PFWE-corr = 0.001). The quantitative trait GWAS identified no genome-wide significant locus in the three HL ROIs. However, various loci were associated at the suggestive threshold (p < 1e-05). ConclusionCompared to the non-HL group, glucose metabolism in the HL group was lower in the auditory cortex, the inferior colliculus, and the cochlear nucleus although the effect sizes were small. The GWAS identified candidate genes that might influence FDG uptake in these regions. However, the specific biological pathway(s) underlying the role of these genes in FDG-hypometabolism in the auditory pathway requires further investigation.

Presbycusis and hyperlipidemia: Is there any link?

"Age related hearing loss is one of the most common chronic health conditions affecting the elderly people. With aging, risk of Presbycusis and hyperlipidemia increases. Although most studies do reach some sort of agreement, the evidence supporting a relationship between presbycusis and hyperlipidemia remains questionable. The objective of this study is to determine the association between age related hearing loss and hyperlipidemia and assess the severity of hearing loss in hyperlipidemic patients. This cross sectional analytic study was carried out at ENT Out Patient Clinic at Al Sader teaching Hospital from March 2019 to December 2019. A cross‑sectional study on 52 patients with Hyperlipidemia and 42 non Hyperlipidemic patients was carried out during March 2019 to December 2019. All patients were evaluated for hearing loss by subjecting to pure tone audiometry, blood investigations were done in form of lipid profile, blood sugars, thyroid function test, blood urea and serum creatinine levels. Group A consisted of 22 (42.3%) males and 30 (57.7%) female while group B consisted of 23 (54.8%) male and 19 (45.2%) female individuals. Audiological assessment by PTA was show that the prevalence of presbycusis among hyperlipidemic group more than non hyperlipidemic with significant statistical difference (P value &lt;0.05). Prevalence was 76.9%. In conclusion; there is statistically significant association between presbycusis and hyperlipidemia especially those with hyercholestrolemia.

A Preliminary Analysis of Hearing Loss and Its Association With Mild Cognitive Impairment

Age related hearing loss, or presbycusis, is a global condition that is increasing in its prevalence. Despite being one of the most common chronic conditions among the older population, there is much more to understand about its association with other aspects of physical and emotional health and well-being. Current research is suggesting that hearing loss is more prevalent in those with cognitive impairment compared to those without cognitive impairment. This study analyzed the incidence of hearing loss and its linkage to mild cognitive impairment in a community-dwelling geriatric population. With the increasing prevalence of this condition in both rural and urban communities of Alabama, it becomes a more pressing matter to understand comorbidities and risk factors for future decline in functioning. This study was conducted in an interdisciplinary geriatrics primary care outpatient clinic in a Family, Internal, and Rural Medicine department affiliated with a university medical center in the Deep South. Ninety-one participants completed the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and a hearing screening. Hearing screenings were conducted in quiet rooms in the medical center using Phonak hearing screening cards. Detection of 500, 1000, 2000, and 4000 Hz tones was assessed. Pearson correlation analyses demonstrated an association between hearing loss mild cognitive impairment. Poorer hearing was significantly associated with lower scores on the MoCA. Conducting behavioral health screenings like this in other primary geriatrics clinics and community settings could improve care and identification of patient needs by integrating important data regarding comorbidities and independent living.

Presbycusis and hyperlipidemia: Is there any link?

Age related hearing loss is one of the most common chronic health conditions affecting the elderly people. With aging, risk of Presbycusis and hyperlipidemia increases. Although most studies do reach some sort of agreement, the evidence supporting a relationship between presbycusis and hyperlipidemia remains questionable. The objective of this study is to determine the association between age related hearing loss and hyperlipidemia and assess the severity of hearing loss in hyperlipidemic patients. This cross sectional analytic study was carried out at ENT Out Patient Clinic at Al Sader teaching Hospital from March 2019 to December 2019. A cross‑sectional study on 52 patients with Hyperlipidemia and 42 non Hyperlipidemic patients was carried out during March 2019 to December 2019. All patients were evaluated for hearing loss by subjecting to pure tone audiometry, blood investigations were done in form of lipid profile, blood sugars, thyroid function test, blood urea and serum creatinine levels. Group A consisted of 22 (42.3%) males and 30 (57.7%) female while group B consisted of 23 (54.8%) male and 19 (45.2%) female individuals. Audiological assessment by PTA was show that the prevalence of presbycusis among hyperlipidemic group more than non hyperlipidemic with significant statistical difference (P value &lt;0.05). Prevalence was 76.9%. In conclusion; there is statistically significant association between presbycusis and hyperlipidemia especially those with hyercholestrolemia.