Hearing Protection

A genetic mutation that triggers a 'molecular domino effect' causing hearing loss mirrors the same kind of noise- and age-related damage. Inhibiting a single molecular response has the potential to protect all ears from a common form of hearing loss.

A new review into the relationship between COVID-19 and hearing problems is suggesting a number of audio-vestibular symptoms can be associated with the disease. The review found hearing loss, tinnitus and vertigo can all be associated with COVID-19.

Exposure to sustained loud noise often results in hearing loss. But now, biologists are testing drugs they call “chemical earmuffs” in mice, which could prevent hearing loss without affecting the volume or quality of sound.

Military personnel are often exposed to loud noises, such as when they're in helicopters. And while human soldiers wear hearing protection, the same can't be said for their "working" dogs. A new garment has been designed to address that problem.

There are a lot of loud noises on battlefields. That's why soldiers often wear earphones that electronically protect their hearing. Determining where enemy shots are coming from, however, can be a challenge with such systems. New smartphone-based technology is designed to help.

"A volume control for your ears." That's what Dutch company Knops promises with its eponymous unpowered noise control ear plugs, which give you the ability to choose between four levels of noise filtering. We put them through the uncompromising test of an aggressively loud children's show.