July 30, 2010
There are 36 million Americans with hearing loss that's nearly one in ten people in this country. And while 30 percent of adults 65-74 years old, and 47 percent of adults 75 years old or older have a hearing impairment, there IS something that can be done about hearing loss.
Studies have shown that untreated hearing loss in seniors contributes to isolation and depression, and is linked to cognitive decline. The technology for hearing aids has changed dramatically even in just the past few years, and while it does take time to get used to a hearing aid, it can dramatically improve your life.
Only one in five Americans who can benefit from a hearing aid actually uses one! Another option which is a real option for older Americans is a cochlear implant. A cochlear implant is a small electronic device that can help to provide a sense of sound to a person who is severely hard-of-hearing. The implant consists of an external portion that sits behind the ear and a second portion that is surgically placed in the inner ear. Most hearing loss is caused by damage to the hair cells, which are inside your ear and allow you to sense sound and send those messages to your brain. Once hair cells die, hearing loss is permanent. The most exciting and promising treatment for hearing loss is hair cell regeneration, or re-growing hair cells, which would in effect restore hearing. It was discovered that some animals like chickens can regenerate hair cells.
Scientists are still working on how to regenerate human hair cells. Hopefully, with adequate research funding, clinical trials in hair cell regeneration will be available in the next decade. In the meantime, don't let hearing loss stop you from enjoying the beautiful sounds of life.
Andrea Boidman
editorial@mediaplanet.com
Source from Growing Up Again in the LA Times
Healthy hearing today and tomorrow
 |
Studies have shown that untreated hearing loss in seniors contributes to isolation and depression, and is linked to cognitive decline. The technology for hearing aids has changed dramatically even in just the past few years, and while it does take time to get used to a hearing aid, it can dramatically improve your life.
Only one in five Americans who can benefit from a hearing aid actually uses one! Another option which is a real option for older Americans is a cochlear implant. A cochlear implant is a small electronic device that can help to provide a sense of sound to a person who is severely hard-of-hearing. The implant consists of an external portion that sits behind the ear and a second portion that is surgically placed in the inner ear. Most hearing loss is caused by damage to the hair cells, which are inside your ear and allow you to sense sound and send those messages to your brain. Once hair cells die, hearing loss is permanent. The most exciting and promising treatment for hearing loss is hair cell regeneration, or re-growing hair cells, which would in effect restore hearing. It was discovered that some animals like chickens can regenerate hair cells.
Scientists are still working on how to regenerate human hair cells. Hopefully, with adequate research funding, clinical trials in hair cell regeneration will be available in the next decade. In the meantime, don't let hearing loss stop you from enjoying the beautiful sounds of life.
Andrea Boidman
editorial@mediaplanet.com
Source from Growing Up Again in the LA Times
Donate Now!
DRF funds research that changes lives.
