Public Awareness of Ear Diseases, Hearing Management and Hearing Loss in Riga, Latvia

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Diāna Katoviča ◽  
◽  
Vladislava Gavare ◽  
Gunta Sumeraga
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Public Awareness ◽  
Ear Diseases

scholarly journals Ultrasound Microbubbles Enhance the Efficacy of Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1 Therapy for the Treatment of Noise-Induced Hearing Loss

Molecules ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (12) ◽  
pp. 3626
Author(s):  
Yi-Chun Lin ◽  
Yuan-Yung Lin ◽  
Hsin-Chien Chen ◽  
Chao-Yin Kuo ◽  
Ai-Ho Liao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Growth Factor ◽  
Inner Ear ◽  
Outer Hair Cells ◽  
Round Window Membrane ◽  
Insulin Like Growth Factor ◽  
Noise Induced Hearing Loss ◽  
Ear Diseases ◽  
Brainstem Response ◽  
Ultrasound Microbubbles

The application of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) to the round window membrane (RWM) is an emerging treatment for inner ear diseases. RWM permeability is the key factor for efficient IGF-1 delivery. Ultrasound microbubbles (USMBs) can increase drug permeation through the RWM. In the present study, the enhancing effect of USMBs on the efficacy of IGF-1 application and the treatment effect of USMB-mediated IGF-1 delivery for noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) were investigated. Forty-seven guinea pigs were assigned to three groups: the USM group, which received local application of recombinant human IGF-1 (rhIGF-1, 10 µg/µL) following application of USMBs to the RWM; the RWS group, which received IGF-1 application alone; and the saline-treated group. The perilymphatic concentration of rhIGF-1 in the USM group was 1.95- and 1.67- fold of that in the RWS group, 2 and 24 h after treatment, respectively. After 5 h of 118 dB SPL noise exposure, the USM group had the lowest threshold shift in auditory brainstem response, least loss of cochlear outer hair cells, and least reduction in the number of synaptic ribbons on postexposure day 28 among the three groups. The combination of USMB and IGF-1 led to a better therapeutic response to NIHL. Two hours after treatment, the USM group had significantly higher levels of Akt1 and Mapk3 gene expression than the other two groups. The most intense immunostaining for phosphor-AKT and phospho-ERK1/2 was detected in the cochlea in the USM group. These results suggested that USMB can be applied to enhance the efficacy of IGF-1 therapy in the treatment of inner ear diseases.

scholarly journals Hearing healthcare gaps in LMICS: snapshot from a semi-urban community in Nigeria

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 912-918
Author(s):  
Adebolajo Adeyemo ◽  
Segun Ogunkeyede ◽  
Oluyinka Dania
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Urban Communities ◽  
Healthcare Delivery ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Healthcare Services ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Traditional Healers ◽  
Medical Intervention ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Ear Diseases

Background: Low and middle-income countries (LMICs) have high prevalence of hearing loss which are mainly due to pre- ventable causes. While urban communities in LMICs are likely to have functional hearing healthcare delivery infrastructure, rural and semi-urban communities may have different reality. Objectives: This study aimed to provide: (i) a snapshot of the burden of ear diseases and (ii) a description of available hearing healthcare resources in a semi-urban Nigerian community. Methods: A cross-sectional study of households selected by multistage random sampling technique. Seventy-four partici- pants: 39 males and 35 females with mean age of 34 years ± 5.24 were recruited and answered a structured questionnaire. In addition, the availability of hearing healthcare services in 15 health centers within the community were determined. Results: All participants reported recent occurrence of ear complaints or gave similar history in a household member. Com- mon complaints were ear discharge, ear pain and hearing loss. Medical intervention was sought from patent medicine stores, hospitals and traditional healers. None of the assessed hospitals within the study site was manned by an ENT surgeon or ENT trained nurse. Conclusion: Despite the heavy burden of ear complaints there is inadequate hearing healthcare delivery in a typical LMIC community. This highlights the need for urgent improvement of hearing healthcare. Keywords: Hearing loss; healthcare delivery; disease burden; ear diseases; developing countries.

scholarly journals Ear Nose Throat (ENT) disorders in Government Schools of Far-Western Nepal

2013 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 83-85
Author(s):  
Anup Acharya ◽  
Madan Mohan Singh ◽  
Arati Shrestha ◽  
Bandana Pokharel
Keyword(s):  
School Health ◽  
Screening Program ◽  
Public Awareness ◽  
School Students ◽  
Irreversible Damage ◽  
Government School ◽  
Ear Diseases ◽  
Regular School ◽  
Specialist Doctor ◽  
Ent Disorders

Background: ENT disorders specially hearing impairment negatively impacts students’ development of academic, language and social skills. If left undiagnosed, these conditions may result in significant irreversible damage such as varying degree of hearing loss that can affect the social or professional performance of the individuals in later stages of life. Students going to government school in our country generally come from under privileged society. We investigated the occurrence of ENT diseases among various government school students in Kailali district. Methods: Nine government school of Kailai district were chosen at random. All students of those school present on the day of examination went routine ENT examinations. Brief history, if any, was recorded and findings were noted. The study was done throughout the month of September, 2013. Results: There were a total of 2256 students enrolled in the study. There were 1126 male and 1130 female students. Mean age of the students was 9.88 years. Forty One percent of students had ENT problems. Ear wax was the most common (17%) findings followed by suppurative ear diseases, otittis media with effusion as so on in decreasing frequency. Conclusions: ENT diseases and specially ear diseases are important health problems among school children of Nepal. Regular school health services, screening program, public awareness, improvement of socioeconomic status, timely referral to a specialist doctor can help to reduce the disease-related burden.

scholarly journals "Can you HEAR my FEAR?" A Korean immigrant with hearing loss reflects on surviving the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States

2021 ◽  
Vol 41 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Joo Young Hong
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
United States ◽  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Asian Americans ◽  
Hard Of Hearing ◽  
Public Awareness ◽  
The United States ◽  
Hate Crimes ◽  
Disability Rights ◽  
Korean Immigrant

This paper presents the perception and associated experiences of a Korean hard-of-hearing immigrant special education researcher as the COVID-19 pandemic unfolded. These experiences include the rise of hate crimes against Asian Americans; increasing evidence that face coverings are a vital public health tool; the knowledge that face coverings can increase the risk of racist violence; and difficulty communicating with people who are wearing most face coverings due to being hard-of-hearing. It provides supportive resources, strategies, and hope for educators, disability rights advocates, and families of individuals who are Deaf or hard-of-hearing, promoting public awareness and embrace of difference.

THE MEDICAL SOCIOLOGICAL EVALUATION OF QUALITY OF LIFE OF PATIENTS WITH SENSORINEURAL DEAFNESS

2019 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 98-105
Author(s):  
N. V Prisyazhnaya ◽  
A. S Zhuravlev ◽  
N. Yu Viatkina
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Sensorineural Hearing Loss ◽  
Public Awareness ◽  
Sensorineural Deafness ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Sensorineural Hearing ◽  
Sociological Study ◽  
Adequate Treatment

Health is the fundamental value of every individual, and its violations, especially those that are burdened by risk of disability, are the key factor of reducing quality of life of individual. The extent of prevalence of hearing impairment in population, accompanied by multiple problems in organization of social, professional and family life of patients, determines high social importance of the issue. The article presents results of medical and sociological study (focus group) of quality of life of patients with diagnosis "sensorineural hearing loss" (as exemplified by patients of Moscow multi-field hospital). The onset of disease, in addition to problems of physical well-being (pain, dizziness, disorientation, etc.) causes person sensorineural hearing loss reducing quality of life, and, above all, resulting in multiple communication problems at the level of everyday personal and social interaction. Despite the fact that the study participants believe that there is no negative attitude and stigma towards people with hearing loss among Russians, the respondents noted prevalence of general intolerant attitude towards disabled people. The widespread of sensorineural hearing loss among able-bodied population is accompanied with low level of public awareness of principles of prevention of hearing loss, the need for timely corresponding treatment, as well as peculiarities of interaction with people suffering hearing loss. The majority of respondents indicate high ability to work with adequate treatment and selection of hearing device and make adjustments to organization, and the support of family and working community.

scholarly journals Public awareness of ear health and hearing loss in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

2019 ◽  
Vol 66 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Khalid A. Alshehri ◽  
Waleed M. Alqulayti ◽  
Bassam E. Yaghmoor ◽  
Hisham Alem
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Saudi Arabia ◽  
Family History ◽  
Public Awareness ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
World Health ◽  
Public Knowledge ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Health Organization

Background: Knowledge of ear health and hearing loss is essential for early intervention and treatment, but the state of public knowledge of such in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, remains unknown.Objectives: To measure public knowledge of ear health and hearing loss.Method: This cross-sectional study was conducted during August 2018 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. An electronic survey questionnaire was distributed to 2372 residents of various districts in Jeddah. The survey was created in 2013 by adopting previously published World Health Organization material, designed to assess knowledge and perception of ear health. All males and females aged 10 years or older living in Jeddah had the chance to participate in this study. A total of 2372 people participated. Percentages mean ± standard deviation, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVAs) and independent t-tests were applied to determine the significant difference. p-values of 0.05 or less were considered significant.Results: The overall mean number of correct responses on the survey’s true/false questionnaire was 10.66 ± 1.92 out of 14. Female participants gave a higher mean number of correct answers than did male participants (10.73 ± 2.03 vs. 10.54 ± 2.03, respectively). Participants with a family history of hearing loss gave a higher mean number of correct answers compared with participants who reported a negative family history (10.89 ± 1.82 vs. 10.53 ± 1.97, respectively).Conclusion: Overall awareness of ear health and hearing loss management is fair. However, the results indicate a need for more integrated educational materials to be made available both to the general population as well as to hearing loss individuals and their families.

scholarly journals Questionnaires in otology: a systematic mapping review

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Koen Viergever ◽  
Jeroen T. Kraak ◽  
Els. M. Bruinewoud ◽  
Johannes C. F. Ket ◽  
Sophia E. Kramer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
English Language ◽  
English Literature ◽  
Adult Population ◽  
Target Population ◽  
Patient Reported Outcome Measures ◽  
Patient Reported Outcome ◽  
Comprehensive Overview ◽  
Ear Diseases ◽  
Patient Reported

Abstract Background Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are valuable tools in assessing the quality of health care from a patient perspective and are increasingly used by otologists. However, selecting the right questionnaire has proven to be a difficult and time-consuming task. To facilitate this process, we will provide a comprehensive overview of existing questionnaires. Methods A systematic literature search has been conducted on August 26, 2019, using the EMBASE and PubMed medical databases. 13,345 unique records were extracted. Questionnaires addressing any otologic complaint (tinnitus, hearing loss, earache, otorrhoea, and ear-related pressure sensation, vertigo, itch, or dysgeusia) were identified. All questionnaires were evaluated for eligibility by two independent researchers. Inclusion criteria were adult population, closed-ended questions, English language of the questionnaire, and the availability of the original article describing the development of the instrument or a validation paper describing the validation process written in English. Objective Create a comprehensive overview of all validated closed-ended otology questionnaires for adults and demonstrate their basic characteristics. Main outcome measure The number of questionnaires in English literature for the adult population, subdivided per symptom and target population. Results A total of 155 unique questionnaires were selected: 33 tinnitus questionnaires, 23 vertigo questionnaires, 84 hearing loss questionnaires, and 15 multiple complaint questionnaires. A protocol for further questionnaire comparison is presented. Discussion Two separate sequential searches were needed to identify unique questionnaires and to identify their development/validation paper. Although many ear diseases create multiple symptoms, the majority of the questionnaires were symptom specific. Conclusion Many questionnaires concerning ear-related symptoms exist and predominantly concern hearing loss, vertigo, or tinnitus. Only a few questionnaires cover the multiple complaints that ear diseases can create. The presented overview is the most comprehensive overview of otology questionnaires in literature to date. It will serve as a basis for questionnaire selection by professionals and could serve as a protocol for questionnaire selection in other fields. Systematic review registration PROSPERO CRD42017058155

scholarly journals Audiological Manifestations in Kabuki (Niikawa-Kuroki) Syndrome

2011 ◽  
Vol 26 (1) ◽  
pp. 21-26
Author(s):  
Celina Ann M. Tobias ◽  
Teresa Luisa Gloria-Cruz ◽  
Charlotte M. Chiong
Keyword(s):  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Hearing Aids ◽  
Binaural Hearing ◽  
University Hospital ◽  
Kabuki Syndrome ◽  
Ear Diseases ◽  
Rare Malformation ◽  
The Right ◽  
Speech And Language Development ◽  
Binaural Hearing Aids

Objective: To describe the audiological profile, clinical features and briefly summarize the speech and language development of a child with Kabuki syndrome (KS). KS is a rare malformation syndrome that usually presents with mental retardation and multiple congenital anomalies including ear diseases and hearing loss.   Methods: Design: Case report Setting: Tertiary Public University Hospital Subject: One patient   Results: A five-year-old female diagnosed with KS at age three presented with moderate to severe conductive hearing loss in the right ear with a drop at the high frequencies and moderate to severe conductive sloping hearing loss in the left ear. She also had fluctuating tympanometric findings. She was fit with binaural hearing aids.   Conclusion: Ear diseases and hearing loss should immediately be considered in patients diagnosed with KS. A comprehensive audiological and otolaryngological evaluation should also be performed when presented with a KS case.   Keywords: Kabuki syndrome, Niikawa-Kuroki syndrome, hearing loss, multiple anomalies

Audiology India (Non-Governmental Organization): Background, Mission, and Accomplishments

2016 ◽  
Vol 1 (17) ◽  
pp. 12-19 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vinaya Manchaiah ◽  
Vijayalakshmi Easwar ◽  
Sriram Boothalingam ◽  
Spoorthi Thammaiah
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Hearing Loss ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Health Care Services ◽  
Public Awareness ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Care Services ◽  
The Government

Hearing loss is a global health concern, particularly in the low- and middle-income countries. Some of the reasons for this include, higher prevalence of hearing loss in these countries, lack of adequate awareness on hearing loss and its consequences, limited access to hearing care services to in suburban/rural areas, and high cost of such services. To make matters worse, health care services provided by the government in developing countries such as India are limited, and services provided by for-profit institutions are expensive. Therefore, there is a need for other stakeholders (e.g., non-governmental organizations) to bridge this service gap. In this paper, we introduce Audiology India (AI) to readers, an organization that is striving to improve ear and hearing health care services in India. We begin this paper by providing an overview of the current status of hearing care services in India. Next, we describe the background of AI, its mission, and accomplishments. Briefly, the goals of AI are: (a) to provide community-based hearing care services to individuals with no access to mainstream ear-care; (b) to conduct campaigns to raise public awareness about hearing loss and avenues for its prevention; (c) to carry out need-based research to continuously fine-tune our services and advance audiology in India; and (d) to offer consultancy services related to ear and hearing care.

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