Volume 11
Gene Therapy for Children with Deafness: We Are Almost There, At Least for Single Gene Mutations
This year (2024), at various international audiology and otolaryngology conferences (e.g., AAA; ARO), we have heard about preliminary findings on the restoration of hearing in children after gene therapy. This follows from at least a decade of research studies in animal models of deafness due to single gene mutations where the correct gene insertion has been shown to be (a) possible, (b) safe, and (c) with some limited degree of efficacy. There are numerous up-to-date reviews of such studies.
Who Measures Otoacoustic Emissions?
About six years ago, in my column in Canadian Audiologist, I celebrated the 40th anniversary of the discovery of otoacoustic emissions (OAEs) by David Kemp. wrote about how sound coming out of the ears was initially regarded as paradoxical, and with some scepticism in the scientific and audiology community!
Volume 10
How Close Are We To Cochlear Hair Cell Regeneration In Humans?
Many decades ago, there was much excitement in the audiology community about the possibility of hearing restoration by somehow promoting cochlear hair cell regeneration. I thought it was time for our “labs to clinic” column to issue an update.
Close-Up Clinical Imaging of the Inner Ear. Coming To Audiology Soon?
Whilst many technical aspects of synchrotron imaging of the inner ear have been explored, we are not at the point of having a clinical imaging tool. However, if this does become a reality, it could provide a very useful diagnostic tool in audiology.
Audiology of the Future with Whole Human Genome Sequencing: Part 2
Bob writes a follow-up from his previous column to further discuss applications of whole genome sequencing (WGS) in audiology. Part 1 was shared with audiology colleagues and trainees and their feedback is the basis for this article.
Audiology of the Future with Next Generation, Whole Human Genome Sequencing
In my next few columns, I will explore new and exciting studies on using whole human genome sequencing as an emerging clinical tool for audiology.
Volume 9
We are Not Progressing in Diagnosis of Progressive Hearing Loss
The most prevalent type of hearing loss is a progressive hearing loss. I can make that statement confidently because presbyacusis is progressive, and everybody will have age-related hearing loss, unless they pass away before age 30. However, it is difficult to find good evidence or reliable statistics if you ask the question about the prevalence…
Treatment of Sensorineural Hearing Loss with Corticosteroids — Some Facts
The purpose of this summary is to provide some background information that may be of assistance in Treating of Sensorineural Hearing Loss with Corticosteroids.
The Health Effects of Noise: NIMBYism, Greed, and Conspiracy Theories
There is extensive “research” literature on the possible health effects of wind-turbine noise, but the aim with this column is not to review the science but rather to reveal some unnerving social and political aspects around this topic.
What Are These (Unusual) Images of Inner Ear Structures? A Picture Quiz.
Bob Harrison has picked out three unusual images that, as audiologists, you might recognize or not. Try to identify the structure before reading his detailed description.