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What are the negative effects of bone-conducting headphones?
The reported side effects so far are discomfort, headaches, vertigo, and dizziness. These effects could be mostly because of vibrations that transmit sound through bones, and the vibrations get more intense as the music gets louder, giving cheekbones a weird feeling. Although manufacturers say these earphones are entirely safe, experts say it is untrue.
Headphonesty
Cancer patients on cisplatin chemotherapy should get hearing loss tests
Hearing loss and tinnitus were experienced by more than 50% of patients on cisplatin-based chemotherapy, as per a study. About 10% of survivors needed hearing aids, while over 35% reported functional impairment. Severe hearing impairment and tinnitus, as measured by HHIA and TPFQ scores, were linked to cognitive dysfunction, fatigue, depression and worse overall health.
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Hearing loss is linked to dementia in older people
A study that analysed over 2400 individuals revealed that dementia was 61% more prevalent in people with moderate or severe hearing loss than in those with moderate hearing. On the other hand, people using hearing aids had a 32% lower prevalence of dementia. These findings suggest that hearing loss could increase the risk of dementia over time.
Hearing Health & Technology Matters
Can dental implants act as hearing aids?
A recent study showed that dental implants had higher sensitivity for bone conduction than mastoid bones and natural teeth at certain frequencies. These findings also suggested dental implants in the posterior teeth had a higher threshold to detect vibrations than anterior teeth implants. It could be because of differences in bone density between the back and front teeth.
The Register
A billion young people are at risk of hearing loss
Unsafe listening practices are the reasons for the increased risk of hearing loss in young people, according to a study. Loud headphones and live events at bars or concerts are some examples. Experts recommend headsets, ear plugs, or air plugs to lower decibels to safeguard hearing. Taking breaks to reduce the exposure could also reduce the harm to hearing.
News Break
Transoral thyroidectomy through endoscopy is safer than open surgery
Transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy via vestibular approach was linked to better cosmetic satisfaction and quality of life than open thyroidectomy in people with papillary thyroid cancer, as per a study. However, it was also associated with longer operative times, drainage times, and higher WBC counts. No differences were observed in other surgical outcomes.
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Nose picking raises the risk of dementia and Alzheimer's
A recent study showed that Chlamydia pneumoniae could use the olfactory nerve from the nose to enter the brain. This invasion could increase the amyloid beta protein deposition, a marker for Alzheimer's disease. Though the study was done on mouse models, humans also have the same pathway. Thus investigators believe picking the nose and plucking nose hairs could harm the brain.
Neuroscience News
A culture-directed therapy could help patients with chronic rhinosinusitis
People with sudden worsening of chronic rhinosinusitis or acute exacerbations of chronic rhinosinusitis (AECRS) were given empiric antibiotics or culture-directed therapy based on mucopurulent swabs taken in a study. The treatment plan remained appropriate for 73% of patients, but it had to be changed in 27% after culture results were received.
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Sodium thiosulfate gets FDA approval for lowering ototoxicity from cisplatin
The drug can be used for treating children aged one month and older with localized and non-metastatic solid tumors. The rate of hearing loss in patients on cisplatin plus sodium thiosulphate was lower than that in patients on cisplatin alone in a clinical trial. Vomiting, nausea, hypokalemia, hypernatremia, and reduced hemoglobin are reported side effects.
FDA
EU endorses approval of tralokinumab for treating atopic dermatitis
The CHMP gave a positive opinion on using Adtralza (tralokinumab) for treating adolescents aged 12-17 years with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis, as per a report. The recommended initial dose is 600 mg, followed by 300 mg every other week. The recommendation for approval of this human monoclonal antibody therapy was based on the results from the phase 3 ECZTRA 6 trial.
Business Wire
