ASHA Voices: What If Permanent Hearing Loss Could Be Reversed?

On this episode of ASHA Voices, we dive into the research behind hearing loss reversal. While investigating a genetic form of hearing loss affecting transduction, researcher Jeff Holt  found he could successfully reverse hearing loss in mice. How did the researcher test the rodents’ hearing? By unexpectedly playing loud music and looking for a response in the subjects, nicknamed Beethoven mice. “A deaf mouse doesn’t jump at all, no matter how loud a sound you play. But after introducing our gene therapy into the ears of Beethoven mice, we find they jump again,” says Holt. Also on the show, sensorineural hearing loss is the most common form of hearing loss. Auditory neuroscientist Tina Stankovic shares her research addressing obstacles and possible solutions to treating and reversing sensorineural hearing loss.  Hearing aids and other assistive technology can help, but Stankovic is looking for ways to actually treat it. We spoke with both researchers at the 2019 ASHA Convention in Orlando, Florida, where Stankovic and Holt presented as a part of ASHA’s Research Symposium on Hearing. Finally, we hear from the recipient of the 2019 Alfred K. Kawana Award for Lifetime Achievement in Publications, Robert (Bob) Hillman. He joins us for a conversation about his career, papers he’s published, and the twist in his path that changed everything in his work with the voice and voice disorders. Read the transcript for this episode.  Meet our guests: Tina St...
Source: American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) Press Releases - Category: Speech-Language Pathology Authors: Tags: Academia & Research Audiology Health Care Podcast Slider Speech-Language Pathology ASHA Convention audiologist Hearing Assistive Technology hearing loss Source Type: blogs