UK Physiologists Discover Molecular Mechanism for Stabilizing Inner Ear Cells, with Implications for Hearing Loss

Kentucky: Mechanosensory hair cells in the inner ear pick up the softest sounds, such as whispers and distant noises. Unlike other cells in the human body, these sensory cells are fragile and finite. At birth, the human ear contains approximately 15,000 of these cells. They do not regenerate or divide and, therefore are susceptible to permanent damage from exposure to loud sounds. Scientists believe understanding the molecular mechanisms that maintain the structure of these cells throughout the lifespan can provide insight into the fundamental causes of hearing loss and deafness.

Reducing the Duration of Antibiotics Does More Harm than Good When Treating Ear Infections in Young Children

Pittsburgh: In a landmark trial conducted at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC and the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, researchers have demonstrated that when treating children between 6 and 23 months of age with antibiotics for ear infections, a shortened course has worse clinical outcomes without reducing the risk of antibiotic resistance or adverse events. The results of the trial are published today in the New England Journal of Medicine and highlighted by an accompanying commentary.

Existing Anti-Stroke Drug Also Effective Treatment For Middle-Ear Infections, Researchers Say

Georgia: An existing anti-stroke drug is an effective treatment for middle-ear infections, showing the ability to suppress mucus overproduction, improve bacterial clearance and reduce hearing loss, according to researchers at Georgia State University and the University of Rochester. The findings, published May 13 in the Journal of Immunology, could result in a novel, non-antibiotic treatment for otitis media, or middle-ear infection, possibly through topical drug delivery. Vinpocetine, the drug involved in the study, has long been used to treat neurological disorders such as stroke.

Bionic ear technology used for gene therapy

UNSW: Researchers at UNSW have for the first time used electrical pulses delivered from a cochlear implant to deliver gene therapy, thereby successfully regrowing auditory nerves. The research also heralds a possible new way of treating a range of neurological disorders, including Parkinson’s disease, and psychiatric conditions such as depression through this novel way of delivering gene therapy. The research is published today in the prestigious journal Science Translational Medicine.

How the brain balances hearing between our ears

UNSW researchers have answered the longstanding question of how the brain balances hearing between our ears, which is essential for localising sound, hearing in noisy conditions and for protection from noise damage.
The landmark animal study also provides new insight into hearing loss and is likely to improve cochlear implants and hearing aids. The findings of the NHMRC-funded research are published today in the prestigious journal Nature Communications.

Cochlea model reveals inner workings of the ear

Victoria: : A model developed at Victoria University of Wellington has helped researchers conduct intricate experiments into the cochlea, which may lead to improved methods of treatment for hearing impairments. PhD student Mohammad Ayat’s research involved developing a model of the cochlea, a snail-shaped chamber in the human ear, focused on the cochlear microphonic (CM)—an electrical signal generated inside the cochlea in response to sound. 

Acoustic neuroma

Acoustic neuroma (vestibular schwannoma) is a rare tumor that develops on the nerve that connects the ear to the brain. It can be benign, small, slow growing and with no symptoms or large, faster growing and aggressive and potentially fatal, presenting with symptoms of hearing and balance impairment, vertigo, ataxia, headache, numbness or paralysis of the face. Symptoms can include:

• Loss of hearing on one side
• Ringing in ears
• Dizziness and balance problems

Ear exams, hearing tests, and scans can show if you have acoustic neuroma.
If the tumor stays small, you may only need to have it checked regularly. If you do need treatment, surgery and radiation are options.
If the tumors affect both hearing nerves, it is often because of a genetic disorder called neurofibromatosis.
More about acoustic neuroma

Acoustic neuroma

Source: National Institute on deafness

What is a vestibular schwannoma (acoustic neuroma)?

A vestibular schwannoma (also known as acoustic neuroma, acoustic neurinoma, or acoustic neurilemoma) is a benign, usually slow-growing tumor that develops from the balance and hearing nerves supplying the inner ear.

Acoustic Neuroma (in short)

MRI. T Dvorak MD Orlando FL

Vestibular schwannomas (VS), or acoustic neuromas, are benign neoplasms of the myelin-forming Schwann cells of the vestibulocochlear nerve. They arise commonly within the internal auditory meatus, and may extend into the cerebellopontine angle (region of the brain near the cerebellum). Reported incidence is 1 per 100,000 person-years and typical presentation occurs in the 5th or 6th decade of life. Symptoms are related to dysfunction of the vestibulocochlear nerve or anatomically related structures. Of patients diagnosed with VS,95% have ipsilateral (same side) hearing loss. A significant fraction will also experience tinnitus (ringing or buzzing in the ears), vertigo, or disequilibrium; facial or trigeminal neuropathy may occur with larger tumour. The indicated treatment for VS may depend on the patient's symptoms, tumour size, growth rate, age, and life expectancy. Management choices include conservative observation or treatment with stereotactic radiosurgery, fractionated radiotherapy, and microsurgery. Therapeutic success may be measured by tumour control, commonly referred to as cessation of growth or a reduction in tumour size.
source: Benjamin J Arthurs et al. University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle 2009-12-18 World Journal of Surgical Oncology