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The article presents information about the early detection and monitoring of Ototoxicity. Drug-related inner ear damage, or ototoxicity, results in auditory and/or vestibular dysfunction that is often permanent. Symptoms of ototoxicity include tinnitus, dizziness, and difficulty in understanding speech. Unfortunately, ototoxic hearing loss may go unnoticed by patients until a communication problem becomes apparent, signifying that hearing loss within the frequency range important for speech understanding has already occurred. Identifying ototoxic damage early can improve treatment outcome by minimizing hearing loss progression, and by counseling and rehabilitation. INSET: Ototoxicity Seminar Set for August 2.

This article presents information about hearing loss. Loss of hearing may result from problems arising in the outer, middle or inner ear. Outer and middle ear pathology will lead to a conductive deafness, while cochlear or cranial nerve deficits will cause a sensorineural deafness. The incidence of deafness in neonates is approximately one in 1,000, the vast majority being sensorineural in nature. The most frequent cause of acquired deafness in children is otitis media with effusion. Adults may be affected following an upper respiratory tract infection and, rarely, there may be an underlying nasopharyngeal tumour.

The article reports that acute otitis media with subsequent drum perforation and ear discharge is predominantly a condition affecting children under the age of 5 years. Other common causes of discharge in primary care are furuneulosis (boils in the external ear canal which are a localized form of otitis externa) and otitis externa (diffuse inflammation of the ear canal). Chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) is a persistent inflammation of the middle ear that produces discharge through a perforated tympanic membrane. Rarely, a malignancy (basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas of the skin of the ear canal) can cause ear discharge.

The latest analysis of the General Practitioner's Research Database (GPRD) has shown that the number of people visiting their GP for hearing problems is approximately double that of a decade ago. With hearing loss affecting one in seven people in Great Britain and becoming more prevalent as the elderly population increases, patients still seem inexplicably reluctant to address their problem. Moderate hearing loss can be corrected, with hearing improved through the use of appropriate hearing aids. Causes of hearing loss vary depending on age. This important factor should be considered, together with a careful personal and family history, when looking for evidence of early hearing loss, for example chronic suppurative ear disease, otosclerosis, genetic causes.

The article reports on the use of synchrotron X-rays, a 3-D imaging technique, by researchers to successfully map a three-dimensional view of the blood vessels of the inner ear.

The article announces that the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) has been accepted as a member of the World Hearing Forum of the World Health Organization which will take part in the promotion of ear and hearing care worldwide.

Testing has revealed early signs that the fungus that causes loose smut in barley may be becoming less sensitive to azole seed dressings. However, last spring there was an increased occurrence of the seed-borne disease in some fields that were drilled with treated seed, suggesting issues with seed treatment application or a possible resistance problem. The disease initially infects seed via airborne spores and seed testing can tell farmers if their seed crop is at risk. [Extracted from the article]

The article features the Consumer Ear Disease Risk Assessment (CEDRA) tool designed to identify the risk of diseases with ear and hearing symptoms developed by researchers and clinicians from audiology, neuroscience, hearing science, psychology and otolaryngology.

The article discusses the treatments of otic disorders, particularly over-the-counter (OTC) products. It claims that said products should only be utilized to cure external otic conditions affecting the auricle and external ear canal. Among such disorders are excessive cerumen, psoriasis, and seborrhea. It cites the carbamide peroxide 6.5% in anhydrous glycerin as the only nonprescription cerumen-softening agent that was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Being awarded a travel fellowship inspired Dillys Wright to promote nurse involvement in neuro-otology. Mary-Claire Mason reports. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses research by the audiologist Levi Reiter into Reiter's Ear Kiss Syndrome (REKS), which has been publicized in the periodical "Newsday." This research features case studies into hearing loss by parents who have been kissed on the ear by their children. The paralysis that accompanies this condition is explored.

The article discusses the comparison between the symptoms of unilateral and bilateral otitis. The clinical presentation of acute bilateral otitis media is frequently more severe than that of acute unilateral otitis media, but overlap of clinical symptoms is common. Information regarding the specific characteristics of each infection is lacking. Researchers from Israel compared the epidemiological, microbiological and clinical characteristics of the two conditions in children aged 3 to 36 months.

The article emphasizes the need for pharmacists to ensure that patients are properly counseled on the appropriate use of otic products. It notes that nonprescription otic products should be used only for the treatment of external conditions which affect the auricle and the external ear canal. It cites the factors that may precipitate water-clogged ears include swimming and humid climates. Patients should also monitor their condition for any signs of ear infection.

Reports that a new genetic test under development at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center (CCHMC) could be used to identify the genetic cause of inner ear hearing loss in infants as young as one day old. Collaboration between CCHMC researchers and scientists at Harvard Partners Group in Boston to look at a small segment of genes specifically associated with sensorineural hearing loss in the early years of life; Identification of GJB2 gene as a cause for many cases of inner ear hearing loss; Benefits of genetic test for children with hearing problems.

The article presents information about the 30th annual Hearing Conservation Conference of the National Hearing Conservation Association (NHCA). The NHCA conference is focused exclusively on preventing hearing loss. The conference provides a unique opportunity for professionals from a wide variety of disciplines to come together and share information. The article also presents information about the 31st annual NHCA Hearing Conservation Conference in 2006, which will be held in Tampa, Florida on February 16-18, 2006.

The article presents information about children with Unilateral Hearing Loss (UHL). Children with UHL can be at risk for academic, speech-language, social, and emotional problems, and often require special services to address these needs. Children with UHL do not live the advantages of binaural hearing, and consequently have difficulty in localizing sounds, detecting/understanding speech directed to the impaired side, and understanding speech in noisy and/or reverberant environments. The article also presents other information about hearing loss.

The article focuses on the use of service dogs in rehabilitative assistance for people with hearing loss. One tool considered less often is lower tech and has four legs. Service dogs can greatly improve quality of life and increase safety for people with hearing loss. Christina Kielich was 26 years old when she experienced a sudden hearing loss. The diagnosis was an incurable inner ear hearing loss. She continued in a career in public affairs. Six years ago, Kielich's hearing worsened. Word recognition in her right ear is now 30% and close to 70% in her left ear. Kielich has continued work as a career press officer for the Department of Energy in Washington, DC. She was treated with the help of a service dog.

The article reports that Barbara Cone-Wesson, associate professor in the department of speech and hearing sciences at the University of Arizona, addressed "ABR, ASSR, and CAEP--What We Have Today and Hope for Tomorrow." The advent of universal newborn hearing screening and the goal of identification of hearing loss by 3 months of age has brought the need to scrutinize and investigate current diagnostic evaluation techniques. She said that the hearing assessment of the population of 0-6 months of age must include electro physiologic evaluations and middle ear assessment, including bone conduction ABR.

Cites the audiology keynote sessions presented during 2004 Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Convention held November 18 to 20, 2004 in Philadelphia. Focus of the lectures on developments in hair cell regeneration, amplification and follow-up of hearing loss in infants; Offer of both practical and theoretic topics; Coverage on inner ear repair and regeneration by Sharon Kujawa; Discussion on the development of cochlear implants for treating sensorineural hearing loss by Douglas Cotanche; Exploration on central nervous system responses by Dianne Durham.

Focuses on how an audiologist can help patients pay for the hearing aids that they feel they cannot afford. Reminder to patients to check their insurance; Inclusion of the patient's family as a possible funding source; Availability of local resources like the consumer funding packet, local assistive technology loan programs and civic/service organizations.

This article presents a medical case where the patient felt she had an auditory processing disorder. She requested for an auditory processing evaluation to qualify for accommodations in taking the Medical College Admissions Test. She needed documentation to take the standardized tests in a separate room. The patient had born with mild microtia of the right pinna. She had frequent ear infections as a child and occasionally still gets one. An audiological evaluation done six years ago had suggested auditory discrimination problems in the presence of background noise.

Presents learning strategies for trial with atypical clients with hearing loss. Testing approaches for children with hearing disorder; Reading suggestions; Other helpful strategies.

The article offers news briefs concerning New York City's Department of Education's (DOE) policy forbidding teachers from using personal social media accounts, the genetic cause of auriculo-condylar syndrome (ACS), and use of structured language games for early language development in children.

The article reports on the initiatives implemented by engineering and manufacturing firms in Great Britain to reduce the incidence of work-related hearing loss. It discusses the effects of hearing loss including domestic friction, job loss and isolation. It evaluates the VeriPro device launched by Sperian that will monitor the levels of protection that earplugs offer.

The author shares his ideas on the proper way of entertaining hearing-impaired patient. He claims that hearing-impaired patient could present a special challenge to any physician. He suggests physicians to talk calmly when they are talking to such patients for better medical service. He also suggests them not to get impatient for he believes that hearing loss can be more devastated than vision loss.

This article presents research news relating to the field of audiology. A study in "Science Daily" indicating the obesity is correlated with ear infections is noted. A study in the August, 2008 issue of "Ear & Hearing" indicating that early cochlear implants do not have all of the advantages previously assumed is presented.

The article focuses on a study which investigated the wait-and-see approach of physicians before giving antibiotics to children with acute ear infections. The approach results in significantly lower use of antibiotics, with little difference in outcomes for the children. Resistance to antibiotics is a major public health concern worldwide, and acute otitis media is the most common reason for prescribing antibiotics to children in the U.S.

The article shares the author's thoughts about his aging friend who was having problems with hearing. The author wondered if his friend would consider a hearing aid. He further relates that his fortunate friend is still at the level that can still be considered a matter of choice. According to the author, his friend is willing to accept that there is not all that much going on within his earshot.

The article offers news briefs related to audiology in the U.S. Researchers of the Department of Veterans Affairs recently found that those with type 2 diabetes experienced age-related declines in hearing earlier than nondiabetics did. The University of Michigan research focuses on an immune system process associated with rapid-onset hearing loss. It involves a protein found in the inner ear's organ of Corti that is needed for normal function. The not-for-profit corporation supporting research projects related to the impact of sound on the body was introduced at the Grand Opening Celebration of The Davis Center.

The article presents information about the services offered at the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). It reports that the Auditory Processing Disorders' technical report can now be accessed on the ASHA Web site. Further, it informs that in the current issue of the journal "Access Audiology," ASHA's e-newsletter explores current trends, reimbursement issues, and provides online articles and teaching and research references, along with relevant Web links, funding opportunities, and more.

The article presents several information about audiology. It reports that the New Mexico legislature has passed legislation to require a doctoral degree for audiology licensure. It also informs that scientists have identified a genetic mutation in humans that affects the severity of hearing loss caused by a mutation of another gene. Genetic mutations are estimated to cause at least one half of all cases of congenital or childhood-onset hearing loss. Further, the article informs that American Speech-Language-Hearing Association is promoting audiology services in a televised segment program on health and fitness.

Focuses on the application of guidelines for otitis media with effusion (OME) to children aged 2 months through 12 years with or without developmental disabilities. Revision of the OME guidelines by the experts; Recommendations on diagnosing and managing OME in children.

Announces that the National Hearing Conservation Association will award two scholarships to undergraduate or graduate students focusing on applied or practical studies in hearing loss prevention or hearing conservation at regionally accredited U.S. institutions. Design of the awards for the academic year 2004-2005 to assist student research studies; Requirement for the applicants to submit an application form and two recommendation forms.

Focuses on how proportional frequency compression provides hearing aids with adequate amplification to make the entire spectrum of speech sounds audible. Compression of high frequency sounds into a lower frequency range where there is a better residual hearing; Possibility of programming frequency compression initially, or be added later on; Suitability of the technology for cochlear function and pathologies such as cochlear dead regions.

Discusses ways to prevent sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). Use of hearing aids and cochlear implants; Molecular bases of hearing losses; Genetic contributions to acquired SNHL susceptibility.