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Awareness weeks guide

World hearing Day 2025

World Hearing Day

3 March 2025

Four million Australians live with hearing loss. This figure is predicted to increase to almost 9 million by 2050 as the population ages. This year’s theme is Changing mindsets: empower yourself to make ear and hearing care a reality for all! By encouraging individuals to recognize the importance of ear and hearing health, this campaign aims to inspire them to change behaviour to protect their hearing from loud sounds and prevent hearing loss, check their hearing regularly, use hearing devices if needed, and support those living with hearing loss. Empowered individuals can drive change within themselves and in society at large. World Health Organisation

UpToDate

Adults

Paediatrics

Society guideline links

Cochrane Library

Guidelines

Online resources

Reports

Articles

Diagnosis and screening

Mental health and quality of life

Research

Treatment

E-books

E-journals

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Articles

Diagnosis and screening

Auditory Neuropathy Spectrum Disorders: A scoping review
As otoacoustic emissions (OAEs) and/or cochlear microphonics (CMs) of neonates with Auditory Neuropathy Spectrum Disorder (ANSD) are normal, auditory evoked responses should be added to screening tests for high-risk neonates in order to prevent false-negative results. Apollo medicine 11 Februay 2025

Guidelines for diagnosis of noise-induced hearing loss and their specificity
Summary:

  • Noise-induced hearing loss is conventionally diagnosed where there is a history of significant unprotected noise exposure and a ‘4 kHz notch’ on the audiogram. That principle has been formalised in diagnostic guidelines.
  • Audiograms may mimic noise-induced hearing loss in people without noise exposure, indicating the potential for false-positive diagnoses.
  • Guidelines published in Clinical Otolaryngology in 2000 have a false-positive rate, defined as a positive audiometric indication of noise-induced hearing loss in the absence of noise exposure, of approximately 30%.
  • More recently published guidelines include varying criteria according to the type of noise exposure. The false-positive rates also vary according to exposure type but are in all cases higher than for the 2000 guidelines.
  • Diagnostic criteria have important ramifications in medicolegal cases involving personal injury claims for noise-induced hearing loss. Medical experts involved in such cases should take into account the false-positive rates associated with any guidelines that they may use.

Clinical Otolaryngology 27 December 2024

Hearing screening for older adults with cognitive impairment: A systematic review
This study highlights the potential of electrophysiological and behavioral auditory tests in detecting hearing impairment in older adults with cognitive impairment, emphasizing the need for further research to develop practical screening protocols for this vulnerable population. Journal of audiology and otology 9 July 2024

 

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Mental health and quality of life

A longitudinal framework to describe the relation between age-related hearing loss and social isolation
The precise relationship between age-related hearing loss and social isolation is not well described. The authors review the literature and synthesize existing work from different domains to propose a framework with three conceptual anchor stages to describe the relation between hearing loss and social isolation: within-situation disengagement from listening, social withdrawal, and social isolation. Trends in hearing 28 March 2024

A qualitative systematic review of the impact of hearing on quality of life
Differences in hearing function impact upon people’s health-related quality of life in a variety of ways relating to physical, mental, and social aspects of health, and these themes are clearly demonstrated across qualitative studies. These results will inform the development of hearing-specific questionnaire items for with the EQ-5D descriptive system, a commonly used patient-reported outcome measure. Quality of life research 23 November 2024

Beyond hearing: the impact of Cochlear implantation on the quality of life of users and their communication partners after 1 year
Speech perception in quiet is not an accurate measure of real-life success with a cochlear implantation (CI). A subset of CI users and communication partners (CP) still experience substantial quality of life (QoL) challenges regardless of speech perception performance. To improve counselling and intervention, QoL measures should be a standard part of the CI care pathway for CI users and their CPs. International journal of audiology 26 January 2025

Music perception, appreciation, and participation in post-lingually deafened adults and Cochlear implant users: A systematic literature review
This systematic literature review explored the relationship between hearing loss, the use of hearing aids or cochlear implants, and late-deafened adults' perception and appreciation of, and participation in, music. Trends in hearing 24 November 2024

Social anxiety, negative affect, and hearing difficulties in adults
The goal of this study was to evaluate the degree to which social anxiety and negative affect (encompassing generalized anxiety, depression, and anger) contributed to subjective communication function (hearing handicap) in adult listeners. Trends in hearing 6 February 2025

The decision to tell or not to tell is associated with experiences of stigma and hearing aid use among adults with hearing loss
Individuals with hearing loss associated hearing loss and hearing aids with negative stereotypes associated with ageing and disability; although, perceptions of modern hearing aids were positive overall. About 25% of participants did not disclose their hearing loss to anyone or in any situation; and hearing loss disclosure, in addition to attitudes towards hearing aids, stereotypical beliefs, and personal characteristics were associated with hearing aid use in multivariate modelling. International journal of audiology 21 January 2025

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Research

Association of increased risk of injury in adults with hearing loss: A population-based cohort study
This nationwide retrospective cohort study examines the association between adults with hearing loss (HL) and subsequent injury risk. The findings highlight an independent association between HL and increased injury risk, underscoring the need for healthcare providers to counsel adult HL patients on preventive measures. Trends in hearing 15 January 2025

“Do you hear what I hear?” Speech and voice alterations in hearing loss: A systematic review
Post-lingual hearing loss disrupts the central regulation of voice, altering pitch, loudness, and other vocal parameters. Recognizing these changes, particularly in noisy environments, could facilitate the early diagnosis and timely rehabilitation of hearing deficits, potentially mitigating associated risks of cognitive decline. Journal of clinical medicine 20 February 2025

Enhancing communication in healthcare: Supports for interactions between adults with hearing loss and healthcare providers
This scoping review examines the existing literature on communication support that can be provided to adults with hearing loss during their interactions with healthcare professionals. Plos one 24 February 2025

Deaf role-models for Deaf children in hearing families: a scoping review
This scoping review directs attention to available research on Deaf role-models (DRMs) as a socio-linguistic and cultural viewpoint for balancing a predominantly audiological approach for early intervention for Deaf children. Journal of deaf studies and deaf education 11 August 2024

Exploring the intricate connection between Vitamin B12 deficiency and hearing loss: A systematic literature review
The systematic review revealed that individuals with lower vitamin B12 levels tended to have a higher prevalence of hearing impairment than those with normal or elevated levels. Vitamin B12 deficiency, coupled with high homocysteine levels and low folate concentrations, may contribute to different degrees of hearing loss, particularly in the elderly. Lower serum levels of vitamin B12 have been associated with slight to mild hearing loss, while cochlear dysfunction and poorer hearing thresholds have also been observed in individuals with vitamin B12 deficiency. These findings highlight the importance of maintaining optimal levels of vitamin B12 for preserving hearing health and warrant further investigation into potential interventions. Ear, nose and throat journal 11 January 2025

Global, regional, and national burdens of hearing loss for children and adolescents from 1990 to 2019: A trend analysis
This study presents a comprehensive analysis of global, regional, and national trends in the burden of hearing loss (HL) among children and adolescents from 1990 to 2019, using data from the Global Burden of Disease study. Trends in hearing 22 August 2024

Machine-learning predictions of Cochlear implant functional outcomes: A systematic review
Machine learning (ML) models demonstrate high predictive performance and illuminate factors that contribute to Cochlear implant (CI) user functional outcomes. Ear and hearing 29 January 2025

Progress and recommendations of developing occupational exposure limits for noise–A systematic review
Noise exposure limit is one of the critical measures to prevent noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). This review aimed to review the progress and recommendations for developing occupational exposure limits (OELs) for workplace noise. Heliyon 30 September 2024

Success of deaf adults: a 30-year scoping review
This scoping review examines how academic, career, and life success of deaf and hard-of-hearing (DHH) individuals has been investigated, as well as which measures have been used to assess success and its associated factors. Current psychology 17 February 2025

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Treatment

A systematic review and meta-analysis of the efficacy of antimicrobial chemoprophylaxis for recurrent acute Otitis Media in children
Summary:

  • Acute otitis media (AOM) is one of the most common infections of childhood. Recurrent AOM affects a subset of children, causing substantial socioeconomic implications.
  • Multivalent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) introduction has resulted in alteration in the incidence and predominant otopathogens of AOM.
  • Our current evidence base for the use of antimicrobial chemoprophylaxis in recurrent AOM is based on limited pre-PCV data from over two decades ago.
  • Understanding of the adverse effects associated with antibiotic over use and the contribution to global antibiotic resistance has increased in recent years.
  • Laboratory and clinical studies are required to better understand AOM aetiology and the interplay with other middle ear conditions, such as otitis media with effusion and chronic otitis media.

Clinical Otolaryngology 12 October 2024

Congenital deafness: from screening to management
This comprehensive review synthesizes the current state of the art on congenital deafness, covering topics such as epidemiology, pathophysiology, etiology, diagnostic methods, management strategies, screening procedures and future directions. Annals of medicine and surgery 7 February 2025

Current and emerging approaches to cochlear immunosuppression with translation to human inner ear stem cell therapy: A systematic review
Hearing loss is a significant health burden across all stages of life. One in 5 people suffer hearing loss, with 5% of the world’s population experiencing disabling hearing loss. A large proportion of this loss is the consequence of damage or loss of neurosensory structures, termed “sensorineural” hearing loss. A recent advance in the treatment of sensorineural hearing loss has occurred, with the advent of inner ear stem cell therapy. Focus has pivoted from augmenting existing neural structures to regenerating neural frameworks. To date, stem cell therapy is limited by the host immune system and rejection of donor cells. A better understanding of immunity in the inner is ear required to progress stem cell therapy for hearing loss. This review outlines a contemporary understanding of the inner ear immune system. Plos one 13 February 2025

Exploring the potential of stem cells: A systematic review on cellular therapy for sensorineural hearing loss
This systematic review evaluates the existing evidence on stem cell therapy as an intervention for hearing loss, focusing on its impact on hearing restoration, quality of life, and safety. Cureus 11 January 2025

Hearing outcomes after Ossiculoplasty with Bone or Titanium Prostheses—A nationwide register-based study
Summary:

  • The prostheses materials bone and titanium yield comparable hearing outcomes in ossiculoplasties.
  • A majority of cases (62%) attained a postoperative air–bone gap (ABG) of ≤20 dB.
  • After surgery, 57% achieved hearing improvement, 36% had unchanged hearing and 7% had worsened hearing.
  • In secondary surgeries using total ossicular replacement prostheses (TORP), titanium showed slightly better results for high-frequency hearing.
  • The study reflects real-world outcomes as it involves results from an entire country with a diverse group of surgeons, ranging from senior consultants to residents.

Clinical Otolaryngology 25 June 2024

The prognostic value of active Otitis Media on Tympanoplasty success rate—A systematic review
Summary

  • For patients with a tympanic membrane perforation due to chronic otitis media, tympanoplasty is an important treatment option.
  • Up to this day, evidence lacks on timing of tympanoplasty, that is, whether closure rates differ between an active versus inactive infection (or wet vs. dry ear).
  • In this systematic review including 16 studies, one study showed a statistically significant closure rate in favour of a wet ear, one study showed a statistically significant closure rate in favour of a dry ear and all other studies showed no difference.
  • Based on the QUIPS tool, overall risk of bias was considered moderate to high.
  • Further high-quality prospective or randomized studies are needed for conclusive evidence.

Clinical Otolaryngology 30 July 2024

Tinnitus update: what can be done for the ringing?
This narrative review attempts to summarise the current understanding in terms of pathophysiology, assessment and treatment of tinnitus for the internal physician who may encounter patients with disabling, chronic tinnitus. Internal medicine journal 28 June 2024

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E-books

This is just a sample of the e-books the library subscribes to – you will need your library login

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E-Journals

This is just a sample of the e-journals the library subscribes to – you will need your library login

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