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People who are profoundly deaf and candidates for cochlear implant surgery often have musical hallucinations, hearing symphonies and concerts in their heads. These hallucinations disappear after the implant, which allows them to hear speech.
Dr. Konstantina Stankovic explained that the auditory system can be more sensitive after being in a quiet environment, similar to how the visual system reacts to changes in light. This highlights the importance of gradual exposure to normal sound levels.
The best treatment option for tinnitus currently is a cochlear implant, which improves peripheral function and allows the brain to recalibrate, effectively reducing symptoms for many patients.
Genetic testing for hearing loss only provides definitive answers in 50% of cases. The other 50% often result in variants of unknown significance, which are common but not well understood.
Hearing is crucial not just for communication but also for emotional, relational, and cognitive well-being. Historical figures like Socrates and Helen Keller have highlighted the profound impact of sound on human experience.
Hearing thresholds can be influenced by the sonic environment of a city, affecting how people perceive sound based on where they live.
Current imaging technologies like CT scans and MRIs cannot detect cells in the inner ear due to its tiny size, which complicates the diagnosis of hearing loss.
Hearing loss is a huge problem, affecting 1.5 billion people and disabling half a billion. The World Health Organization estimates another billion will be affected by 2050. This issue is underappreciated and stigmatized, with many living in silence.
The American Academy of Otolaryngology endorses two main interventions for tinnitus: amplification with a hearing aid and sound therapy, both of which have shown to make a difference.
Hidden hearing loss can occur even if standard audiometric tests show normal results. This happens when synapses connecting sensory cells to neurons are damaged by loud sounds, leading to issues like tinnitus.