Some antibiotics are bad for your inner ear cells, but new research could change that

Article by the University of Michigan Health System
This story is reprinted from materials provided by University of Michigan Health System. (June 11, 2012) 

The world needs new antibiotics to overcome the ever increasing resistance of disease-causing bacteria -- but it doesn't need the side effect that comes with some of the most powerful ones now available: hearing loss. Today, researchers report they have developed a new approach to designing antibiotics that kill even "superbugs" but spare the delicate sensory cells of the inner ear.

The Hearing Video

This video also demonstrates the proper use and maintenance of hearing protection and how to chose the right protection for you

Hearing loss demonstration

If you are a regular visitor of this blog, odds are you're a hearing loss sufferer. You can use this demonstration to make others understand what could happen to them if they don't protect their ears, this demonstration might help. Or if you are simply curious about what is it like to lose your hearing, this demonstration can help you too.

http://www.hse.gov.uk/noise/demonstration.htm
or you can directly try it here :
Noise Induced hearing loss demonstration

Tool to estimate the performance of hearing protection

The United Kingdom's Occupational Safety and Health Administration has a noise exposure tool to  help you work out your daily noise exposure, weekly noise exposures, and estimate the performance of hearing protection.


http://www.hse.gov.uk/noise/calculator.htm

Interactive tool to virtually visit places and determine noise levels

A sound tour of the city with the New York Times

Great interactive tool to get an idea of average noise levels in different locations and the potential danger to one's ears.



Just in case you were curious about how the journalists obtained their noise measurements:

how-the-noise-was-measured

U.S. Noise Standards below those of other industrialized nations

By CARA BUCKLEY NYTimes
Noise levels recorded at nearly a dozen restaurants, gyms and bars in New York City reached heights that, if sustained over as little as two hours, would violate standards set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration to protect workers’ hearing. But even if the regulations were heeded, many audiologists say, they would not protect hearing enough: federal noise protection standards lag behind much of the industrialized world’s.


Go to article >>

Coldplay Star Chris Martin Talks About Living with Tinnitus

Article by Rosie Taylor, Daily Mail

Suffering from tinnitus for a decade, Martin says, his condition improved once he started protecting his ears. Martin believes it's those years as a teenager listening to loud music that are to blame for his current hearing problems. He has some words of advice.

Read more >>

Arizona kid hopes for hearing loss cure (Video)

http://news.yahoo.com/video/phoenixktvk3tv-15751070/cutting-edge-technology-could-lead-to-cure-for-hearing-loss-29111401.html

GREAT Infographic : How Do You Lose Your Hearing ?

This infographic explains the whole process very simply. Don't miss it. Click on this link, then twice on the image to enlarge it

Singer Sting and Chris Botti in new hearing loss PSA

Article from the HuffPo with advice on how to protect your ears.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/04/09/hearing-loss-in-middle-age_n_1364291.html

Hearing Loops : A fresh look at an old technology

http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/how-hearing-loops-can-help/2012/04/09/gIQAvhEb6S_story.html

Save Money : Some Medical Procedures You Don't Need

Anyone who's ever undergone a slew of costly and time-consuming medical procedures has probably wondered the same thing at least once: Is any of this actually worth it?
Sometimes, the answer is simply no.
In an eye-opening new initiative from the ABMI Foundation and Consumer Reports, nine United States specialty societies representing 374,000 physicians developed lists of "Five Things Physicians and Patients Should Question" in recognition of the importance of physician and patient conversations to improve care and eliminate unnecessary tests and procedures. 


These lists represent specific, evidence-based recommendations physicians and patients should discuss to help make wise decisions about the most appropriate care based on their individual situation. Each list provides information on when tests and procedures may be appropriate, as well as the methodology used in its creation. What tests and procedures should patients and physicians talk about? Read the lists:
You'll find complete lists from each organization at ChoosingWisely.org or by clicking the links below:
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology
American Academy of Family Physicians
American College of Cardiology
American College of Physicians
American College of Radiology
American Gastroenterological Association
American Society of Clinical Oncology
American Society of Nephrology
American Society of Nuclear Cardiology

Read also an opinion piece from the NYTimes
Do you Really Need that Medical Test?

Inexpensive Ear Drops that Can Cure Deafness

No, they don't exist yet. But a researcher is trying to create this magic elixir. In this short talk, Stefan Heller describes how his team of researchers at Stanford University is transplanting stem cells into the ear to "regenerate" damaged hearing cells.

 

Read a recent related article 

Read an older, related article

Living in a Large City is Bad for Your Ears

Article by Laura Bailey, University of Michigan News Service
University of Michigan  (Dec. 21, 2011) — Nine out of 10 city dwellers may have enough harmful noise exposure to risk hearing loss, and most of that exposure comes from leisure activities. Historically, loud workplaces were blamed for harmful noise levels.

---

Read more >>