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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.

There are over 200 genes identified that can cause hearing loss, highlighting the significant genetic component. However, environmental factors like noise trauma, aging, and infections also play a crucial role.

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.

Hearing thresholds can be influenced by the sonic imprints of the environments we live in, such as cities with unique noise profiles.

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 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.