Zablotsky and colleagues (2024) used data from the July 2021–December 2023 National Health Interview Survey to determine the prevalence of device screen time per weekday by those ages 12–17 years. Specifically, these teens were asked, “On most weekdays, how many hours do you spend a day in front of a TV, computer, cellphone, or other electronic device watching programs, playing games, accessing the internet, or using social media?” In their calculation, they were told to exclude the time spent related to scholastic activities. About half of the respondents (50.4 percent) reported having four or more hours of daily screen time.

The percentage of teenagers who reported four or more hours of daily screen time varied significantly by age, race and Hispanic origin, parental education, and the urbanization level of their place of residence. Teens who reported spending four or more hours each day on screens were significantly more likely to report symptoms including anxiety and depression over the prior two weeks than those who spent less time on their devices.

Reference

Zablotsky B, Arockiaraj B, Haile G, Ng AE. (2024) Daily screen time among teenagers: United States, July 2021–December 2023. NCHS Data Brief 513.

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Haile and colleagues reported that 34 percent of teens reported having experienced bullying. These authors found that the percentage of those who were bullied varied significantly based on a variety of demographic factors including age, sex, race and Hispanic origin, having a developmental disability, and identifying as a sexual or gender minority. The percentage of teens who reported symptoms of anxiety and depression were significantly higher in teens who reported being bullied than those who were not.

The American Academy of Audiology scope of practice (2023) supports counseling related to the social-emotional well-being status in personal, social, educational, and vocational arenas. Audiologists may be the first professionals to provide the much-needed support, empathy, and necessary referrals for teens with hearing loss who experience bullying. For those interested in learning more about bullying, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services provides resources.

References

American Academy of Audiology. (2023) Scope of practice. (accessed November 6, 2024).

Haile G, Arockiaraj B, Zablotsky B, Ng AE. (2024) Bullying victimization among teenagers: United States, July 2021–December 2023. NCHS Data Brief 514.

The post Victimization of Teenagers by Bullying appeared first on American Academy of Audiology.

Reference

World Health Organization. (2024) Burden of hearing loss in Africa could rise to 54 million by 2030: WHO report (accessed November 5, 2024).

The post Hearing Loss on the Rise in Africa appeared first on American Academy of Audiology.

Hao and colleagues enrolled newborns in a program to study the effects of extended gene sequencing on the detection of hearing loss genes. They utilized Newborn Screening with Targeted Sequencing (NESTS) on more than 7,500 newborns, sequencing for 90 common deafness genes, in addition to newborn hearing screens. After sequencing and analysis, 150 of 7,500 newborns were classified as genetically positive for one of the hearing loss genes. None of these babies would have been identified with only limited genetic screening. 

The authors conclude that by utilizing expanded genetic screening in conjunction with established newborn hearing screening, more babies can be identified with a hearing loss gene and appropriate follow up can be initiated. Hao and colleagues also conclude that their targeted sequencing is technically feasible and clinically relevant.

References

Hao C, Hu X, Guo R, et al. (2024) Targeted gene sequencing and hearing follow-up in 7501 newborns reveals an improved strategy for newborn hearing screening. Eur J Hum Genet.

DiStefano MT, Hemphill SE, Oza AM, et al. (2019) ClinGen expert clinical validity curation of 164 hearing loss gene-disease pairs. Genet Med 21:2239–47.

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The team’s research uncovered that a gecko’s saccule can detect faint vibrations ranging from 50 to 200 Hz, frequencies far below what they can typically hear with their ears.

This previously unrecognized sixth sense may be present in other reptilian species as well. “This ancient inner pathway, typically linked to balance, helps geckos detect vibrations that travel through mediums like the ground or water,” said study co-author Catherine Carr, a professor of biology at the University of Maryland. “Our findings shed light on how the auditory system evolved from what you see in fish to what you see in land animals including humans.”

This discovery of a gecko’s saccule and its role in their hearing may lead to new discoveries about communication in other animals thought to have limited auditory capabilities. 

While it is true that these findings are not directly connected to how humans hear, similarities can be drawn. “Think about when you’re at a live rock concert,” Carr said. “It’s so loud that you can feel your whole head and body vibrate in the sound field. You can feel the music, rather than just hearing it.”

References

Han D and Carr CE. (2024) Auditory pathway for detection of vibration in the tokay gecko. Current Biology.

Phys.org. (2024) Scientists uncover auditory ‘sixth sense’ in geckos. (accessed October 30, 2024).

The post Scientists Uncover Auditory ‘Sixth Sense’ in Geckos appeared first on American Academy of Audiology.

Vagevuur and Brand (2024) conducted a scoping review of 452 publications. Of these, 28 studies met the inclusion criteria. The studies utilized both objective measurements, such as pure tone audiometry (PTA) and subjective assessments, including surveys and questionnaires. Several studies included control groups to compare the hearing of dental professionals with individuals not exposed to the same occupational noise hazards.

Results revealed that among the studies using PTA, there were consistent results of significant hearing loss among dental professionals, particularly at frequencies between 4,000 and 6,000 Hz. Additionally, 67 percent of the studies that included control groups demonstrated significantly more hearing loss among dental professionals compared to non-exposed individuals. The subjective assessments further supported these findings, indicating that dental professionals often experience a notable hearing decline.

The evidence from this study strongly indicates that dental professionals are at an elevated risk of NIHL compared to the general population. This finding reiterates an urgent need for more preventive measures, such as education on NIHL, regular hearing evaluations, and the use of hearing protection.

Reference

Vagevuur JJ, Brand HS. (2024) Occupational noise-induced hearing loss among dental personnel: a scoping review. Br Dent J.

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Boots Hearingcare (2024) surveyed more than 1,000 Britons to determine which hobbies may be putting hearing at risk. Not surprisingly, watching live motorsports and live music topped the list as the most dangerous hobbies for your hearing, topping out at 140 dB and 115 dB sound pressure level (SPL), respectively. Hobbies like gardening and baking, which most of us consider relaxing and relatively quiet, made the list at around 85 dB SPL each. The number one hobby putting Briton’s hearing at risk was video gaming. While this hobby may not top the list in decibel level, on average, gaming was taking place an average of four days a week.

The survey also found that over two-thirds of respondents did not believe they needed to wear hearing protection. This is concerning because the World Health Organization states that one can listen to 12.5 hours of noise over 85 dB SPL per week safely, which breaks down to approximately 45 minutes/day. Most hobbies that we engage in obviously last longer than that recommended time. 

The moral of the story is to protect your hearing while engaging in hobbies, especially if you will be participating for extended periods of time. Who knew pots, pans, and trowels could cause so much damage? 

References

Ng K. (2024) The hobbies most likely to cause hearing loss, from baking to football. Aol (accessed September 27, 2024).

Boots Hearingcare. (2024) Hearing lifestyle. (accessed September 27, 2024).

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The technology, which debuted last year, allows a coach to call a play on a tablet from the sideline that then shows up visually on a small display screen inside the quarterback’s helmet.

Chuck Goldstein, Gallaudet’s head football coach, reported to the Associate Press (AP), “We are trying to figure out ways to level the playing field for our guys.” Last season, Gallaudet only used the helmet for one game. Coach Goldstein continued, “As we go forward, we’re learning a lot about different hiccups and things that are coming down that we weren’t aware of last year.”

AT&T chief marketing and growth officer Kellyn Kenny said getting the helmet on the field last year was a huge moment of pride, and this is a major step forward. He said, “We not only get to celebrate another history making milestone, but we have the opportunity to further collaborate and innovate on ways to drive meaningful change toward making sports more inclusive for everyone.”

Reference

Whyno S. (2024) NCAA approves Gallaudet’s use of a helmet for deaf and hard of hearing players this season. AP News (accessed September 20, 2024).

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While ancient Greeks did begin to see diet, drugs, and surgery as a critical part of medicine and their comprehensive approach to it, they did not entirely separate the spiritual world from the physical—enter the “humors.” The humors included black bile, yellow or red bile, blood, and phlegm.

The Greek Hippocrates was fundamental to the advancement of medicine, and in fact, many physicians still take a form of the Hippocratic oath. He believed that the humors were fundamental to determining an individual’s cause of illness, and as such, routinely tasted his patient’s urine, pus and earwax.

While audiologists are all too familiar with the look, and unfortunately, smell, of cerumen, tasting what they see daily from a human’s ear is not really in their repertoire. Even more unfortunate, audiologists have all seen those patients who apply their saliva to their hearing instruments. Thank you, Hippocrates, for advancing the study and thank you to those who came after and changed the way audiologists diagnose and treat medical problems!

Reference

Dunnell T. (2024) 7 shocking medical beliefs from ancient Greece. History Facts (accessed September 3, 2024).

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