ear to the ground
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Ear to the ground
for all things ear-related in the media This issue of Ear to the Ground begins with an interesting study on Fibromyalgia and Hearing Loss showing an increased prevalence in sufferers of this musculoskeletal disease. We also include articles highlighting the damage of modern living and recreational noise on the hearing system. Tinnitus has been in the media lately with well known musicians talking about the impact of both tinnitus and hearing loss on their daily lives. One featured article illustrates the devastating consequences that can happen when tinnitus becomes unbearable and highlights the need for rehabilitation and support. On a lighter note we have included an article on hearing restoration in deaf mice highlighting the advancement in gene therapy, an app which can be used to check hearing via a smartphone. We also explore the latest audiology news and views in the ‘twittosphere’.
Fibromyalgia increases the risk of hearing loss
Fibromyalgia is a chronic, widespread musculoskeletal pain disorder, which may be associated with an overall dysregulation of the central nervous system.This Norwegian study involved 44,500 participants and was published in the journal BMC Muskuloskeletal Disorders in December 2016. Results found that people with fibromyalgia are 4.5 times more likely to suffer from hearing loss than people without the illness. Participants with no pain-related problems were also included in the study as a control group, so it was possible to make a comparison. For information about the article go to: https://fibromyalgianewstoday.com/.../ probability-hearing-loss-higher-fibromyalgia The published study can be found at: https://bmcmusculoskeletdisord.biomedcentral.com/articles/ 10.1186/s12891-016-1331-1
Hearing lost and found......
Journalist Bella Bathhurst has published a book ‘ Stories of Hearing Lost and Found’, which covers her personal 12 year journey into gradual hearing loss through otosclerosis. Following successful surgery her hearing returned almost to normal. In the book she interviews people who were born deaf and those who have lost their hearing. She examines the psychological impact that losing your hearing has on a person and the association between hearing loss and poor mental health. Read this article at: https://www.theguardian.com/books/2017/may/04/ sound-losing-recovering-miracle-hearing-bella-bathurst
Primary Care Audiology in the news
Primary care audiology services in North Wales were featured in a recent ITV news article discussing improvements in the Welsh NHS. The audiology service was used as an example of how different models of working can increase effectiveness, and improve outcomes for patients. Original news article can be found at: http://www.itv.com/news/wales/2017-04-07/ culture-of-steady-and-sustained-improvement-in-welsh-nhs/
ear to the ground
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