Genetic Tweaks Are Restoring Hearing In Animals

Researchers have taken another step toward reversing deafness using gene therapy.

The latest success involves mice with an inherited form of deafness, a team reports Wednesday in the journal Science Translational Medicine. And a similar approach is already being tried in people with hearing loss caused by damage to cells in the inner ear.

Link: http://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2015/07/08/421204204/genetic-tweaks-are-restoring-hearing-in-animals-raising-hopes-for-people

Technology breaking down barriers between deaf and hearing communities

Communication has always been key to opportunity for the deaf community. But technological advances, which have changed the way everyone communicates, and a growing popularity among college students to learn American Sign Language have removed even more obstacles to the deaf community and the hearing community connecting.

Link: http://www.heraldtimesonline.com/life/technology-breaking-down-barriers-between-deaf-and-hearing-communities/article_95b640ab-b316-5b40-beba-d863512884dc.html

Hearing Loss Simulator: Understanding mild and moderate hearing loss.

People with normal hearing – especially parents, spouses and friends of those with hearing loss – are often eager to better understand what hearing loss sounds like. While a blindfold worn around the house for an afternoon might help someone learn what it’s like to live without vision, hearing loss comes in varying degrees and forms. Simply blocking out all sound won’t provide the right information. To really understand the complex nature of hearing loss, you have to experience the loss of both volume as well as specific sounds.

Link: http://www.hearinglikeme.com/facts/what-hearing-loss/hearing-loss-simulator-understanding-mild-and-moderate-hearing-loss