The auditory hair cells are important because they convert vibrations into nerve impulses. When these hairs die, sensorineural hearing loss and balance disorders occur. Animals’ new hair cells grow up from a layer of supporting cells underneath the auditory hair cells. These supporting cells divide and sub-divide until the full complement of hairs is reached. Their hearing is restored to what it was like before. To achieve the same results in humans, laboratories are researching which genes can be manipulated to stimulate re-growth. Someday soon, hearing aids and cochlear implants might no longer be needed.

This type of research has been happening since the late ‘80s, when they discovered birds’ damaged hair cells are spontaneously regenerated. This research has been speeding up recently with the first successfully cultured human eardrum cells. These drums, made from human tympanic membrane tissue gathered from an autopsy, were grown over a scaffold of specially formulated silk. These replicated the human eardrum’s fibrous structure and have the same vibrating abilities. With new surgical procedures, these regenerated eardrums could be implanted successfully.

Researchers at various laboratories will soon start with tests to determine whether the scaffold material is compatible with animals. Within a few years, researchers hope to conduct these same tests in humans. If these tests are successful, they could give a new alternative to millions of hard of hearing people, especially those who might be self-conscious about wearing hearing aids.

About 90 per cent of deafness cases involve damage to the hair cells. It is also hoped that within the next ten years this possible new procedure might prevent these hair cells from dying.

]]> http://www.hiddenhearing.co.uk/blog/would-you-like-to-have-a-new-eardrum/feed/ http://www.hiddenhearing.co.uk/blog/how-does-the-ear-work/ http://www.hiddenhearing.co.uk/blog/how-does-the-ear-work/#comments Thu, 07 Aug 2008 16:16:18 +0000 admin http://www.hiddenhearing.co.uk/blog/?p=25 The human ear is a complex but phenomenal sound system, capable of detecting the smallest sounds at an incredibly wide range of intensity and frequency. The structure of the ear can be divided into three major parts, namely the outer ear, or pinna, the middle ear and the inner ear.

Image courtesy of Flickr

The pinna is responsible for helping to place the location of a sound. It acts as a sound collector and helps channels sound down the ear canal. The outer ear collects sound vibrations, which in turn causes movement of the eardrum. The eardrum is connected to three tiny bones, or ossicles, the malleus, incus and stapes (or hammer, anvil and stirrup).

The middle ear serves to intensify the energy of the sound vibrations and deliver them to the cochlea (inner ear). Inside the cochlea are thousands of tiny hair-like cells connected to the fibers of the hearing nerve. These hairs are sensitive to different frequencies of sound.

Sound vibrations enter the cochlea and cause sound waves to travel through the ear. This causes the basilar membrane to which the hair cells are attached to move. The hair cells then trigger electrochemical signals which travel through the acoustic nerve to the brain where they are recognised as sounds.

The Epoq V is a digital hearing aid that connects wirelessly to Bluetooth-enabled communication and entertainment devices, including landline and cell phones, radios, MP3 players, personal computers, laptops, and now, TVs as well.

Peter Sydserff, product manager for Hidden Hearing states, ‘We are delighted to be fitting our clients with Oticon Epoq. The results since introducing the product last year is literally outstanding and one more year on we now have a value version’.

Studies were conducted with 34 hearing professionals and 134 Epoq users. The Epoq earned an impressive 90% satisfaction rating based on spatial sound and wireless connectivity.

Using the latest binaural wireless processing, the Epoq offers the most advanced hearing experience. The binaural wireless processing enables a pair of Epoq hearing instruments to work as one central processing unit. This helps support the brain’s proper interpretation of various sounds in the environment, resulting in a completely natural hearing experience. This allows users to focus on sounds they want to hear, and suppress the unwanted ones.

Hearing aid audiologist Phillip Page said, ‘It is a big advantage to be able to offer a hearing system that is now proven as the best in the world. This test used the top technology from other manufacturers and shows that Hidden Hearing is once again in the position to offer an unrivalled level of product quality combined with great customer service.’

Oticon is a leader in its field, so much so, that it has won three prestigious, international awards. These awards include the Danish Product Award for its ‘world class engineering, design and craftsmanship’, the Best Innovations 2008 in the healthcare category from the American Consumer Electronics Association, and the esteemed 2008 Red Dot Award for creativity, innovations and pioneering design.

Hidden Hearing has also recently introduced Vigo Pro and Vigo, two affordable, full product families of premium performing hearing instruments. This allows budget-conscious clients to benefit from state of the art hearing technology as well.

It is the excellent combination of high end features, better sound quality, and the easy and straightforward fitting process that makes Vigo real value for money. Reports Peter Sydserff, ‘With Vigo we can now provide technologies that were precisely seen at the top of our price list’. “These fantastic new systems allow us to tackle difficult listening environments without having to opt for top of the range hearing aids, and are a great example of where Hidden Hearing offers true value for money.’

An innovative feature of the Vigo Pro is the Volume Control Learning function. This function allows the hearing aid to ‘learn’ how you prefer to use it in difficult hearing situations and environments. It will then begin to make changes before you do.

For the best hearing aid for you, visit Hidden Hearing, where a specialised hearing aid audiologist will be able to advise you on which Vigo model beat suits your needs.

Users of the Mini have been very pleased with the results, boasting that this latest design offer higher levels of comfort and sound clarity. This unique design allows the ear canal to be left open and the small amplifier is extremely light on the ear.

For more information on the new Oticon Mini, visit your nearest Hidden Hearing Centre and take a free hearing test. Our expert Hearing Aid Audiologist will be able to prescribe the most suited hearing device for you.

So what’s good for the heart could be good for the ears. If you’re concerned about your own hearing, or that of someone close to you, you can get a full hearing check-up without charge at one of the country’s leading hearing care centres. The research was funded by RNID, the charity for deaf and hard of hearing people, and is one of the largest ever studies into risk factors for hearing loss. Over 4,000 people aged between 53 and 67 took part, involving nine audiological centres in seven European countries. For more information about RNID visit http://www.rnid.org.uk The research found that people who smoked regularly for more than one year had worse hearing than those who had never smoked, and that the more you smoke (more years or more packs per day) the greater the hearing loss. So you’re not just doing damage to your heart and lungs when you smoke, you could be damaging your hearing too. A healthier lifestyle means healthier hearing.

Why wait?

Just as people get their eyes tested and teeth checked regularly, hearing is no less important. For most people, hearing loss is just normal wear and tear and one more fact of life. The good news is that help is possible for those who choose to find it. Once you do start to lose your hearing, you can make up for the loss by using various types of hearing aid. And what you really need is lifetime care, to check and monitor your hearing regularly, so that any device you’re using to help your hearing is exactly right for you and is working correctly all the time to its maximum performance. To help people who care about their hearing and want to have a thorough check-up, Hidden Hearing has produced a free information pack that tells you everything you need to know about buying a hearing aid.

Hearing facts

• One in five people over the age of 55 has difficulty hearing.

• One in two people over the age of 65 has difficulty hearing.

• The average person with sight problems waits 3 years before seeking help.

• The average person with hearing problems waits 15 years before seeking help.

• One in 10 adults in the UK would benefit from wearing a hearing aid, but only one in 30 has one.

To get your FREE information pack and your FREE hearing check, contact us or call FREE on 0800 515 349.

When asked about this latest venture, Daniel said, ‘The Hidden Hearing team here is dedicated to providing a convenient and quality service of the highest standard that our customers have come to expect.’ Daniel also stated that early detection of hearing loss and regular hearing checks are important, and that individuals should go for a checkup at least once a year. ‘Following their hearing test and hearing aid fitting, customers can always call in for batteries or parts as the company carries them in stock, and we can carry out simple repairs on the spot if necessary’.

The Chester Hearing Centre will officially be opened on the 23rd June by the Sheriff of Chester, Councillor David Hull.

Collins developed the condition in 2000 when he suddenly lost his hearing during a recording session, while Foxy Brown was left with sudden hearing loss in 2005. The scary thing is that SSHL develops without warning. Some report experiencing a loud ‘pop’ before their hearing disappears, while others report going to bed with their hearing intact, only to wake up the following morning with sudden hearing loss.

So what is sudden sensorineural hearing loss? It is a complex and mysterious condition whereby the patient suffers from sudden hearing loss in 3 days or less. Due to the mysterious nature of the condition, there is no exact universal definition for SSHL.

Sudden Hearing Loss can happen to an individual all at once, or over a period of three days. A large majority of those suffering from sudden hearing loss are only affected in one ear. According to research, much of the condition is still a mystery, and even though thousands of people suffer from the condition, only 10-15% will ever learn the exact causes. The condition has been linked to various factors, including infectious diseases, trauma, drug reactions, and auto-immune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, circulatory or vascular problems and vital infections.

Another mysterious factor is the recovery process. About one third of people suffering from sudden hearing loss regain their hearing. The rest either never gets their hearing back or only partially regain function. And doctors will not be able to tell you if you are one of the lucky few to fully regain your hearing. Those who do regain their hearing, however, often continue to experience ringing in their ears and have difficulty discerning speech.

Sudden Hearing Loss should be seen as a medical emergency, and anyone experiencing this should seek immediate treatment. Not many people are aware of SSHL’s symptoms, and will simply view it as a sinus condition, blocked ears, wax buildup, or age-related hearing loss. Due to this misconception, many people put off visiting the doctor.

Both Limbaugh and Foxy Brown have had cochlear implants to improve their hearing; however, this procedure is only given to a small number of candidates. Collins has been given steroid injections, but according to a recent post on his website, stated that his hearing has neither improved nor deteriorated.

While this type of hearing loss can affect people of any age, middle aged to older people are more commonly diagnosed.

This new and inspired invention is ideal for people suffering from possible seeing and hearing problems. Besides the fact that it helps you with your sight and hearing, it looks stylish too. Gone are the days when you have to look old and frumpy with your bifocals or hearing aid, medical advances has just got fashionable.

You won’t get bionic hearing; instead you will get a top of the range hearing aid built into regular eyeglasses. Embedded in each spectacle arm is four tiny microphones which transmit sounds from the front and simultaneously blocks background noise.

This creates ‘directional sensitivity’, which means that the sound coming from the wearer’s gaze is amplified, while the sounds in the background are dampened. This in turn helps make conversations clearer, even in noisy environments where standard hearing aids will not do the job.

Charging this nifty little device is just as simple. There are rechargeable batteries which are hidden in the ends of the arms, so all you have to do is place the ends of the frames into a special recharging stand overnight and voila, the batteries are recharged.

This device, developed by a group of scholars at the Delft University of Technology and in partnership with Phillips, will be showcased for the first time at the upcoming SICEX 2008 in Singapore. Even though this device is still in its conception stages, soon you may be able to hear through your sunglasses. How ingenious is that?

The co-inventor of the ‘Method and Apparatus for Improving Hearing’ patent, Charles Seeney, believes that, as “part of an emerging trend” these hearing devices will become smaller. The company started researching and developing this technology between 2002 and 2004 and NBMI plans to find commercial partners for the patent.

Mr Seeney, who is also the CEO and founder of NBMI, revealed that his company is working on a companion hearing aid technology, which is based on sending bioactive materials to the middle ear. Besides their focus on improving hearing, there are various other research projects underway at the M D Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. One of these projects tries to assess the tumor-specific delivery of cancer therapeutics.

The University of Oklahoma and the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, an affiliate of Harvard Medical School, played a big role in the development of NBMI’s technology, which is viewed as Oklahoma’s first nanotechnology-based patent for a health-care application.

How early can I start signing with my child?

Why not start today? Sign ‘milk’ to your newborn when you’re about to nurse or offer a bottle. At bedtime, sign ‘sleep’. When you’re feeding the baby, take the little one’s hands to help them sign ‘more’ in-between spoonfuls. By doing this, you will get them used to signing and make it part of your daily routine. Before long, you will see that the repetitions and reinforcements occur naturally as your infant grows. Even better, it will help your infant to realise that crying might not be the best means of communication.

Should I teach my child who is already talking, SL?

There are many reasons why learning a second language should be encouraged, and learning SL is great for stimulating a child’s learning through different senses. Children who others see as ‘visual’, ‘spatial’ or ‘tactile learners’ can learn a lot from sign language. Some believe that learning a second language, including SL, can raise a child’s IQ. Hearing loss may be more common than you think; one in ten Americans suffer some degree of hearing disability. If you are familiar with some of the signs, you can give your child the confidence to interact with a deaf child. This would ensure that both children feel comfortable around each other.

I’m worried that learning SL will delay my child’s speech.

You share this concern with many other parents. They are worried that signing will either delay or stint a child’s speech. We are pretty confident that our experience has been the opposite. Your child’s communication needs should be met by learning SL, even if it is done before teaching the child speech. Sign language is as much a language as English or Spanish.

Should I become fluent in SL?

This is your decision. It will certainly be a great achievement if you become fluent in SL, but knowing the basics should suffice. Sign language, like any other second language, will require time, patience and plenty of practice. So surround yourself with others who are fluent.

Why can’t I just use made up signs?

You are taking time to teach and reinforce signs that have meaning to millions of SL users. Would it not make more sense, therefore, to involve your child in a language that has international recognition? Your child’s caregivers (who might include doctors, preschools, daycare centres, etc.) may prefer using SL and not a made up language consisting of different signs for each child in their care.

If a hearing child starts out as a ‘baby signer’, he or she can communicate with deaf children and adults. This child can also take advantage of other SL materials, which may include videos or SL playgroup. The foundation for the study of SL as a second language later in life exists and this may be made possible by using SL signs instead of made up signs.

A very valid point, brought up by some of our Deaf customers, is that made up signs may mean something completely different in SL, which could lead to potentially humorous and/or embarrassing situations.

My child is struggling with the SL signs. Is that ok?

Some children may struggle with the signs, and adapt to whatever they are physically able to do. Eventually, when their motor skills have had more chance to develop, their signing should improve. Compare this so speech development, where ‘Da-da’ becomes ‘Daddy’ or ‘Dad’ over time.

How long will it take my child to learn SL?

This will depend on when you start signing with your child. Newborns may not be able to sign until they are 8 to 14-months-old. Should you start signing with your 2-year-old, you’ll notice the uptake is slow. The child may not respond immediately, and it may take a couple of months. Any physical, mental or developmental delays should be taken into consideration.

Why should my hearing child learn SL?

There are children who are not developmentally ready to speak until they are two years old. Signs are far easier to learn, especially for babies. There are studies that show children who are as young as 6-months-old understanding and communicating with limited signs.

Being unable to communicate may cause frustration and anger tantrums, so very small children benefit from SL as they can express themselves.

Would signing help with tantrums and ‘The Terrible Twos’?

Tantrums and ‘The Terrible Twos’ are about frustration and the inability to communicate. Children who can communicate show less frustration. Verbal skills take a backseat to motor skills in the early years, so signing can be a tremendous help.

Is it a good idea to teach my 6-year-old SL?

Children of all ages can learn to love SL. It proves to be a valuable tool at any age and your six-year-old will be quick to learn all the signs, perhaps even picking up additional signs that will impress deaf playmates. And older children love using SL as their own ‘secret language’.