News

It’s no secret that many adults with hearing loss wait far too long before seeking help. On average, people wait ten years after symptoms first appear to get treatment. But why? 

A study published in the International Journal of Audiology has one answer: stigma. 

We know that hearing health doesn’t just impact our ears; it’s closely linked to other body systems and our overall health. A new study from researchers in China suggests that the eyes may hold important clues about our hearing health, too. In this research, which was published earlier this month, investigators found that tiny blood vessel patterns in the retina—the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye—may be linked to how well people hear.

When most people think about pollution, they picture smoggy skies or littered waterways. But there’s another type of pollution that you can’t see that can seriously affect your health: noise pollution.

Noise pollution is more than an annoyance. It’s a public health issue that affects hearing, sleep, heart health, mental well-being, and overall quality of life. Here, we’ll explore what noise pollution is, how it impacts our bodies and minds, and practical steps you can take to protect yourself.

When we think about social justice and health equity, hearing health is not often part of the conversation. But a closer look at the causes and treatments for hearing health reveals that it should be. Hearing loss is one of the most common chronic health conditions worldwide, affecting over 1.5 billion people globally and nearly 1 in 8 Americans. Yet access to hearing care remains deeply unequal, with disparities rooted in income, geography, race, age, education, and stigma.

Here, we explore why hearing health is a social justice issue, examine the barriers to care, and highlight what can be done to build a more equitable future for people with hearing loss.

Most people associate hearing loss with noise exposure or aging. But did you know that common viral infections can also affect your hearing? From temporary changes in hearing to long-term damage, several viruses have been linked to ear-related complications. Understanding this connection can help you stay vigilant about your hearing health, especially during and after illness.

RestorEar is at the forefront of cold therapy research. Between our devices to support hearing health after noise exposure (ReBound), our cooling probe currently being studied in first-in-human trials for cochlear implant surgeries (ReSurg), and our multiple tinnitus projects, we are constantly studying innovative ways to better improve health with cooling. Now, new research from RestorEar co-founder Dr. Suhrud Rajguru’s laboratory shows another potential target for cold therapy: the vestibular system.

Hearing loss affects over 1.5 billion people globally, yet stigma and misunderstanding still surround the condition. Many people fear that acknowledging their hearing loss or seeking solutions like hearing aids or cochlear implants will limit them socially, professionally, or creatively. But history and the present tell a different story.

To raise awareness and help normalize hearing challenges, we’re spotlighting influential figures from all walks of life who live and thrive with hearing loss. Their stories remind us that hearing differences don’t have to be barriers. They can be part of what makes someone extraordinary.

Hearing health is crucial for healthy aging. Research has shown that hearing aid use may help decrease the risk of dementia, prevent cognitive decline, and reduce overall mortality. 

A new study published in JAMA Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery expands on this understanding. Researchers found that hearing aids and cochlear implants may improve social quality of life and reduce feelings of isolation for adults with hearing loss, key aspects of healthy aging.

The Fourth of July is a time for barbecues, parades, patriotic playlists, and, of course, fireworks. But amid the celebration, there’s a hidden risk many people overlook: hearing damage.

Whether you’re lighting fireworks at home or watching a professional display, the noise levels can be high enough to cause permanent hearing loss, for both people and pets. Here, we discuss the risks to our hearing health that fireworks pose as well as some tips for staying safe this holiday.