... Abstract There has been considerable progress in identifying the mutations primarily associated with congenital hearing loss caused by a single gene. The next challenge is the discovery of genes and mutations associated with common acquired hearing loss in the human population such as age...

... Abstract During the last 20 years, bone-anchored hearing aids (Baha ® ) became a familiar solution in the treatment of some types of hearing loss. The aim of this chapter is to present the different historical steps which have permitted the production of this new bone conduction hearing device...

... Abstract An important aspect of binaural hearing is the proper detection of interaural sound level differences and interaural timing differences. Assessments of binaural hearing were made in patients with acquired unilateral conductive hearing loss (UCHL, n = 11) or congenital UCHL (n = 10...

... Abstract Hearing amplification technology has been evolving since the 19th century. Currently in most audiology departments, the mainstay of hearing rehabilitation is performed with conventional air and bone conduction aids. These are cost-effective, non-invasive hearing aids...

... Abstract The number of marketed bone-conduction hearing implants (BCHIs) has been steadily growing, with multiple percutaneous devices and transcutaneous devices now available. However, studies assessing efficacy often have small sample sizes and employ different assessment methodologies. Thus...

... Abstract Microtia and atresia cause significant conductive hearing loss of up to 60 dB HL. The bilateral cases suffer from severely restricted communication abilities and require immediate acoustic stimulation. There is also growing evidence that unilateral cases benefit from an early...

... Abstract Hearing implant technology is evolving at a rapid rate and more than ever patients with hearing loss are benefiting from these emerging hearing devices. Active middle ear implants are alternatives to hearing aids and bone conducting devices, offering patients an expanded range...

... Abstract Cochlear implantation (CI), with attempted preservation of residual natural low-frequency hearing, is an increasingly accepted application of this technology, with potential benefits to the patient when listening in noise and in music appreciation. The full extent of the benefits...

... Abstract Bilateral vestibular schwannomas are almost pathognomonic of neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2). As a result of these tumors, hearing loss is the presenting symptom in 60% of adults and 30% of children with NF2. It is often bilateral. The best means of preserving hearing in patients...

... Abstract Surgery aimed at hearing rehabilitation risks damaging residual inner ear function, especially cochlear implant surgery. Pharmacological intervention to reduce this risk has shown great promise in animal models. The challenge is to deliver medication to the appropriate part...

... Abstract Relationships are central to social well-being and emotional resilience across the lifespan, and good hearing and communication is integral to their establishment and maintenance. However, hearing loss is one of the most prevalent chronic conditions of ageing and significantly affects...