Want to Be Happier in 2017? Try a Hearing Test.

By the Better Hearing Institute

When you’re making your list of New Year’s resolutions and to-dos for 2017, be sure to put this one near the top: a hearing test.

That’s right. Research shows that when people address hearing loss it improves their quality of life in many ways.

And it’s no wonder. Ignoring a hearing loss and leaving it unaddressed can be exhausting, lead to isolation, and has been tied to an assortment of health conditions, including depression, diminished cognitive function, and an increased risk of falling.

But when people get a hearing test and use professionally fitted and individually programmed hearing aids—when recommended by a hearing care professional—most say they’re happy with the improvements they see in multiple areas of their lives.

Here are just a few potential perks of treating hearing loss that may surprise you:

1. Your spirits may brighten. People with hearing loss who use hearing aids are less likely to feel down, depressed or hopeless, BHI research shows.
   

2. Your relationships may benefit. Most people with hearing loss who use hearing aids say it has a positive effect on their relationships, according to a BHI survey. Research also finds that they’re more likely to have a strong social network.
   

3. You may start to see life’s sunny side a little more. People with hearing loss who use hearing aids are more likely to be optimistic, feel engaged in life, and even get more pleasure in doing things, BHI research finds.
   

4. Taking the reins on life might become easier. BHI research shows that people with hearing loss who use hearing aids are more likely to tackle problems actively. Not a bad New Year’s resolution in and of itself.
   

5. It may lighten your cognitive load. Experts say that effortful listening due to unaddressed hearing loss is associated with increased stress and poorer performance on memory tests. If you don’t have to put so much effort into listening due to untreated hearing loss, more cognitive resources may be available for other things—like remembering what was said, or enjoying the conversation with friends.

So, go ahead. Make a hearing test one of the New Year’s resolutions you keep in 2017. 

So do it for your health. Do it for your happiness. Get a hearing test.

To take a free, quick, and confidential online hearing check to help determine if you need a comprehensive hearing test by a hearing health care professional, visit www.BetterHearing.org

The content for this blog post originated in a press release issued by The Better Hearing Institute.

The HRP Shifts Gears for Greater Impact

By Peter Barr-Gillespie, Ph.D.

It’s remarkable to me that the Hearing Restoration Project (HRP) is five years old! While the past five years revealed that regeneration of sensory hair cells is more complex than anticipated, our scientists have nonetheless made significant progress. Several notable HRP research projects supported by Hearing Health Foundation (HHF) were published in 2016, and more are on the way.

Financial investment in the HRP is crucial for our success. Through the HRP, HHF supports promising innovative research areas that due to the lack of available funds are not adequately financed by other agencies. We continue to acquire large-scale genomics datasets, and the more we generate the more valuable they all are—comparing the results from different types of experiments is a key approach of the HRP.

In 2017 we will see a change in the way the HRP conducts its research. At our HRP meeting this past November, the consortium updated its research methods for the upcoming year, choosing to focus and devote more resources on two promising, major experimental strategies. This is a shift from the approach over the past five years, when the HRP followed various independent paths to understanding hair cell regeneration.

The first project will use “single-cell sequencing” experiments, which will reveal the molecular processes of hair cell regeneration in chicks and fish with unprecedented resolution. Single-cell methods allow us to examine thousands of genes in hundreds of individually isolated supporting cells, some of which are responding to hair cell damage.

With these voluminous datasets, we will then describe the succession of molecular changes needed to regenerate hair cells. Results from these experiments will be compared with similar experiments examining hair cell damage in mice, which like all mammals, including humans, do not regenerate hair cells.

The second project will examine whether epigenetic DNA modification (the inactivation of genes by chemical changes to the DNA) is why mice supporting cells are unable to transform into hair cells after damage to the ear. Our existing data suggests this is the case, and so a strategy for hearing restoration may involve the reversal of these epigenetic modifications.

The first project will allow us to identify the genes involved, and the second project will help us understand how to effectively manipulate those genes despite their DNA modifications—and to biologically restore hearing.

The consortium approach funded by HHF provides a unique opportunity; the collaboration of 15 outstanding hearing investigators will lead to results far more quickly than traditional projects that rely on a single investigator. All HRP investigators plan projects and interpret data arising from them, allowing us to collectively utilize our 200-plus years of experience we have studying the ear.

HHF has been able to increase HRP funding for 2017 compared with 2016—for this I am grateful. However, there are several research needs unmet. Increased funding levels would speed our deeper understanding of hair cell regeneration, which will ultimately lead us to find therapies to treat human hearing loss and tinnitus.

Most of all, we are looking to add additional scientists to HRP labs to increase productivity and significantly accelerate research progress. There is also an urgent need for more “bioinformatics” scientists to thoroughly examine our data and identify common threads buried deep within our results. In addition, the HRP has research projects that have been placed on hold until funding is found for them.

We are excited about the coming year’s planned research, and eagerly await the results. On behalf of myself and the other scientists who make up the HRP, I thank you for your investment and interest in our work. I look forward to giving you further updates.

HRP scientific director Peter Barr-Gillespie, Ph.D., is the associate vice president for Basic Research and a professor of otolaryngology at the Oregon Hearing Research Center, and a senior scientist at the Vollum Institute, all at Oregon Health & Science University. 

We need your help in funding the exciting work of hearing and balance scientists.

To donate today to support HHF's groundbreaking research,

please visit hhf.org/donate.

Your Cell Phone Can Save Your Hearing

By Murray Grossan, M.D.

As a ear, nose, and throat specialist I treat patients with hearing loss and tinnitus. Did you know that by simply by using your smartphone, you can help prevent these hearing conditions?

Loud noises damage the ear. But how loud is too loud? When a guest attends a wedding and sees children seated in front of eight-foot speakers, are the speakers too loud? Your phone knows.

When a parent yells to his teenagers to lower the volume of their music, is it truly too loud? Your phone knows.

There are many smartphone apps available to Apple and Android operating systems. A simple search for the terms “sound meters” or “decibel meters” will bring up  different apps, including many of which are free!

Hearing sounds at 115 decibels for more than 15 minutes can cause permanent hearing loss. With hearing loss you may also develop tinnitus. Chronic tinnitus can be so distracting that it can disrupt daily life, including the loss of sleep.

It is not essential to know all the ins and outs of sound measurement in order to protect your hearing. (For technical details, see the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s report.) A sound meter is all you need.

Why? It may be hard to realize how loud a sound really is, how close you are to it, and how long you are exposed to it. One person says the sound is too loud; another says it seems fine. A smartphone sound meter can measure the volume level. Recent research by National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health scientists shows the apps’ accuracy is approaching that of professional sound meters. And once you know the danger, you can limit your exposure: Block, walk, and turn.

We know that many older people have hearing loss. But science is not sure if age causes the loss or if it is an accumulation of years of hearing loud noises, just as the cumulative effects of sun exposure are evident decades later. I have an 88-year-old patient with perfect hearing. She never used a noisy lawnmower.

If sound meter use becomes common, and we are all fully aware of the danger of noise exposure, you won’t see children seated in front of giant speakers at a wedding. And I sincerely hope that I will see fewer people at my office because they can’t hear and have tinnitus.

HHF Named Twice in Consumer Reports

Hearing Health Foundation is absolutely thrilled to be named—twice—in Consumer Reports’ “Best Charities for Your Donation,” published Dec. 14, 2016.

The article offers tips for finding a charity that, in its words, “really puts your money to work.” It reviewed the detailed process by which charity rating organizations Charity Watch, Charity Navigator, and BBB Wise Giving Alliance assess charities.

“Collectively, these groups evaluate thousands of nonprofit organizations based on how they collect and spend their money, how transparent they are to the public, and how well they’re governed,” the story says.

Using the watchdog reports, Consumer Reports listed up to five of the highest- and lowest-rated charities in 11 categories.

Hearing Health Foundation was cited as one of the nation’s five best charities—and the only one cited twice, in the categories “Blind and Impaired Hearing” and “Health.”

I like to say Hearing Health Foundation is “small yet mighty”—so it is very gratifying to get confirmation of our fiscal health from a respected publication like Consumer Reports.

During this season of giving, we are grateful for your gifts that enable us to further our mission of hearing protection, education, and research.

If you haven’t yet, and are able to give, please consider an end-of-year donation knowing that all of us at Hearing Health Foundation—staff, scientists, board members, and other advisers—are working tirelessly to make your dollars count.

HHF Named Twice in Consumer Reports

Hearing Health Foundation is absolutely thrilled to be named—twice—in Consumer Reports’ “Best Charities for Your Donation,” published Dec. 14, 2016.

The article offers tips for finding a charity that, in its words, “really puts your money to work.” It reviewed the detailed process by which charity rating organizations Charity Watch, Charity Navigator, and BBB Wise Giving Alliance assess charities.

“Collectively, these groups evaluate thousands of nonprofit organizations based on how they collect and spend their money, how transparent they are to the public, and how well they’re governed,” the story says.

Using the watchdog reports, Consumer Reports listed up to five of the highest- and lowest-rated charities in 11 categories.

Hearing Health Foundation was cited as one of the nation’s five best charities—and the only one cited twice, in the categories “Blind and Impaired Hearing” and “Health.”

I like to say Hearing Health Foundation is “small yet mighty”—so it is very gratifying to get confirmation of our fiscal health from a respected publication like Consumer Reports.

During this season of giving, we are grateful for your gifts that enable us to further our mission of hearing protection, education, and research.

If you haven’t yet, and are able to give, please consider an end-of-year donation knowing that all of us at Hearing Health Foundation—staff, scientists, board members, and other advisers—are working tirelessly to make your dollars count.

My Hearing Is Not Perfect

By Norman Molesko

MY HEARING IS NOT PERFECT

What did you say?
Face me!
Please say it again!
Clearly. Slower. Louder.
I want to understand you.
I know you said something to me.
It may not be what I heard.
May not be what I think you said.
My hearing is not perfect.
Not all sounds are clear to me.
Not all sounds can be heard by me.
Some sounds are difficult to hear.
Some cannot be heard at all.
I don’t want to be unsure of myself.
Please repeat what you said?
Clearly. Slower. Louder.
I need to understand you.
 

By: Norman Molesko, age 86, 

©2011, Ambassador For Seniors

'Tis the Season to Protect Your Hearing from Noisy Toys

By It's A Noisy Planet

The winter holidays are the time of year for giving and sharing! The holidays provide many opportunities to spend time with family and friends and enjoy some festive cheer. Perhaps you’ll see a local holiday musical or performance or participate in a holiday gift exchange. As you prepare to wrap (or unwrap) those gifts, it’s important to consider if that noisy toy could actually be a hazard. Ever thought about how those concerts and new toys and gadgets might affect your hearing?

The U.S. Public Interest Research Group (PIRG) has found toys on store shelves that produce sounds loud enough to contribute to hearing damage over time, including music players and toys that are intended to be held close to the ear. Read the full U.S. PIRG report. During the holidays, make sure to consider the noise levels of toys for children and follow these simple tips to help keep the noise down:

• Pack hearing protectors, such as earplugs or ear muffs, if you’re attending a local seasonal concert or other festivities. Musical events can register at or above 120 decibels—that’s roughly as loud as an ambulance siren.
  

• Did one of your children get a new noisy toy? If the racket is driving you crazy, it may be too loud. Consider putting masking or packing tape over the toy’s speaker. This should muffle the sound enough to make it safe for everyone. Some toys have volume controls to lower the volume or turn off the sound completely.
  

• Buy quiet gifts. Look for toys or gadgets with low-volume settings or ones that make no noise at all, such as books or puzzles.
  

• Test out toys in the store before buying them to check sound levels. Ask yourself, “Is this too loud?” If so, find another toy with a softer sound. Also ask, “Can I control the volume on the toy and maintain a lower level of noise output?”
  

• Limit “screen time” to cut back on noise. Televisions, tablet computers, and video games contribute to high sound levels in the home.
  

• Turn on only one toy at a time. Avoid competing noises in the same area.

From everyone at Hearing Health Foundation and It’s a Noisy Planet. Protect Their Hearing® we wish you a happy holidays and a healthy New Year! 

New Insights Into Age-Related Hearing Loss

By Ruili Xie, Ph.D.

Age-related hearing loss (ARHL), also known as presbycusis, is one of the most prevalent health conditions affecting older adults. The leading cause of ARHL is generally attributed to damage in the ear during aging, which include the loss of the inner ear’s sensory hair cells and spiral ganglion cells (SGCs).  

Hair cells act like antennae for the auditory system to receive sound information from the environment. SGCs are the nerve cells that connect the ear and the brain, with their peripheral branches receiving sound information from hair cells, and their central branches forming the auditory nerve to pass information to the brain. Recent studies showed that the terminals (endpoints) of SGC peripheral branches are vulnerable and can be damaged during aging, which are thought to be the primary cause of ARHL.    

However, the majority (over 70 percent) of SGC peripheral terminals survive normal aging. It is unclear whether, with age, sound information is reliably transmitted through the surviving SGCs to the brain; and if not, how this may contribute to ARHL.

One particular point of interest lies in the terminals of the SGC central branches (the auditory nerve synapses) that activate their target neurons in the brain. Deterioration in the information flow at these synapses with age would reduce sensory input to the brain and lead to ARHL.

For the first time, Dr. Paul B. Manis and I have found that the transmission of information from SGCs to their target neurons in the cochlear nucleus (the first auditory station in the brain) is compromised in aged mice with ARHL. The transmission process deteriorates due to abnormal calcium signaling at the central terminals of the SGCs. The study not only proposes a novel brain mechanism that underlies ARHL, but also provides new strategies in developing future clinical treatments.

Ruili Xie, Ph.D., a 2009 and 2010 Emerging Research Grants recipient, is an assistant professor in the Department of Neuroscience at the University of Toledo, in Ohio.The study “Synaptic Transmission at the Endbulb of Held Deteriorates During Age-Related Hearing Loss” appeared in The Journal of Physiology on Sept. 13, 2016.

We need your help supporting innovative hearing and balance science through our Emerging Research Grants program. Please make a contribution today.

House Hunting Tips for the Hard of Hearing

By Erin Vaughan

Finding the perfect home is a stressful enough process for anyone, but when you’re struggling with your hearing, it comes with special challenges. You'll need to make sure your health, safety, and the quality of your hearing aren't compromised by your new abode, and that may require a bit of extra research or planning. Here’s how to simplify your house hunting process so you can be in your new dream home in no time.

Look for Doctors and Health Providers Ahead of Time
If you’re relocating, rather than just moving across town, you can give yourself some peace of mind by looking for health professionals and services in your area ahead of time. The American Academy of Audiologists has a great provider locator tool where you can search for professionals by city and state, zip code, or even by country if you’re going really far. You can also connect with your local chapter of the Hearing Loss Association of American for recommendations.

Make Sure Your Realtor Knows About Your Hearing Loss
Your realtor works for you, not the other way around. Therefore, they should be happy to accommodate special provisions you need in your search—whether that’s making sure they show you a home that meet your requests, or simply repeat information if necessary. Talk to your realtor before you start looking, and express your concerns. He or she should help you come up with a plan to get the information you need to make an informed decision.

Look for Acoustically Friendly Surroundings
If you’re thoughtful in your home search, you may even be able to locate a space that helps facilitate your hearing. Look for homes with triple pane or laminated acoustic glass that will block noise interference from the outdoors. Additionally, softer surfaces tend to focus sound waves to improve room acoustics—so keep an eye out for carpeted or wood floors instead of tile, and large windows that will allow for tall, noise-cushioning drapes.

Check If Local Authorities Offer Free Accessible Safety Equipment
If you have a registered disability, your local government, fire, or police department may offer accessible safety equipment for free or at low cost. This includes flashing smoke alarms, home security systems, and doorbell systems, which can keep you safer in your home. In fact, your fire department may even come install this equipment for free. Additionally, amenities like these are a good indication of what kind of neighborhood you’re headed for—generally, the better and more thorough the services offered, the happier and safer the area.

Take Advantage of Online Listings
Realtors understand that everyone has less time to go door-to-door house hunting weekend after weekend. Because of this, online listings are becoming much more thorough, with long lists of home features and multiple expert photos. While nothing can replace the experience of seeing your soon-to-be-home in person, online listings can help you wade through homes and areas that won’t work—and help you find a space with the features you need.

Get a Feel for Your Future Neighbors
Good fences make good neighbors—but when you are hard of hearing, you may need to rely on friendly neighbors to work with you to limit outdoor noise. Be on high alert for signs of derelict neighbors: unkempt yards and exteriors, vacant or foreclosed homes, and pets chained up outside are all signs of neighbor trouble down the line. When you do zero in on a property, be sure to introduce yourself as soon as possible so you can meet the neighbors on your terms.

Most of all, don't be intimidated. House hunting can be overwhelming, but it will all be worth it once you've finally signed on your dream home that’s not only beautiful, but comfortable and accommodating for you, too. Until then, happy hunting!

Erin Vaughan is a blogger, gardener and aspiring homeowner.  She currently resides in Austin, TX where she writes full time for Modernize, with the goal of empowering homeowners with the expert guidance and educational tools they need to take on big home projects with confidence.

Give Thanks and Then Give Back

By Pallavi Bharadwaj

Black Friday, the Friday after Thanksgiving, is the official kickoff to the holiday buying season. Cyber Monday has become synonymous with online-only shopping deals on the Monday after the Thanksgiving weekend.

Giving Tuesday is a movement to create a national day of giving during the holiday season that will inspire philanthropy and encourage bigger, better, and smarter charitable giving.

HHF is thrilled to participate in Giving Tuesday this year on November 29th. 

This Giving Tuesday, please join HHF and support groundbreaking research to cure hearing loss and tinnitus. You can donate directly, or fundraise for a cure.

If you’re looking for some ideas to contribute to HHF on Giving Tuesday:

• Post on Facebook and Twitter (and other social networks that you belong to) encouraging each of your friends to donate $1 to HHF. The average individual has 300 friends on Facebook which means that if each of your friends donates just $1 on Giving Tuesday, you can raise $300 in one day—it’s that easy!

• Contribute to an item on our Wish List and give our researchers the tools they need to conduct their studies.

• Host a potluck dinner party and invite your family and friends to join you by bringing a dish and making a donation to HHF.

• Hold a bake sale at your workplace or your child’s school and advertise that the proceeds will be donated to HHF.

• If you play a musical instrument, ask for donations for your music practice that day.

• Take some time to burn those excess Thanksgiving calories and go for a run, swim (indoors of course!), or bike ride fundraising for every mile accomplished.

• Make a donation to HHF in honor or in memory of someone close to you.

• You can make gifts of appreciated stocks too.
  
  Do you have other ideas to fundraise for a cure? Please share with us in the comments!