Fifth Observation 10-3-07

There was no one scheduled for my time slot, so i read an article about presbycusis instead. I remember in class Dr. Payne said that there was no proof old age caused hearing loss because they found in some tribes that are not around high levels of noise, the elders don't have losses.
I found a pretty neat article that focused on the contributions of genetics and the environment on AC thresholds. The study looked at the frequencies of 500Hz to 4000Hz and the SRT of the better ear (BE). The study only used female twins with the mean age of 68. The prevalence of HL, noise exposure, HA usage, auditory diseases, and accidents were made known. One experienced audiologist did all the testing to standardize the clinical aspect. Some twins had good hearing while others had poor hearing, so the hearing range was represented. A study done with mice found that the age related loss was genetic. Thus, inheriting hearing genes was more significant than once thought.
In summary, the study found that a family history of age related loss was more likely to cause a hearing loss. People with a family Hx of HL benefit more from the use of hearing protection. Genes play a significant role in HL. Example, a damaging noise to one person may not damage another's hearing. Genes affect susceptibility. This study did not try to identify the genes that cause genetic losses, but may be a good basis for research. The results found in the article should not be directly generalized to other populations per the author of the article.

My thoughts: I was really impressed with the article. I thought it was neat to think of genes as the culprit for age related losses. The article also made me wonder how can some noises be damaging to one's hearing, but not another's. Great article, i would suggest reading it.

Viljanen, A., Era, P., Kaprio, J., Pyykko, I., Koskenvuo, M., & Rantanen, T. (2007). Genetic and environmental influences on hearing in older women. The journals of gerontology. Series A, Biological sciences and medical sciences, 62A(4), 447. Retrieved October 1, 2007, from http://biomed.gerontologyjournals.org.www.libproxy.wvu.edu/cgi/reprint/62/4/447?maxtoshow=&HITS=10&hits=10&RESULTFORMAT=&fulltext=genetic&searchid=1&FIRSTINDEX=0&volume=62&issue=4&resourcetype=HWCIT.