Month: June 2024

Today, I’m sharing the incredible story of Opal Sandy, an 18-month-old in the UK who recently received gene therapy just before her first birthday. Now, six months on, she can hear without hearing aids.

This could be a beacon of hope for the 1.5 billion people across the world who are affected by hearing loss. So, let’s see what this means for you and your hearing.

Developments in hearing loss research

Perhaps you suffer from hearing loss yourself, or maybe you know somebody who’s recently been diagnosed with hearing loss. No matter how you’ve ended up here, there’s definitely no denying that hearing loss is a widespread issue affecting one in five people globally and for every 500 babies born, one of them will have some form of hearing loss.

Despite this, historically both research and funding for a cure have been pretty scarce. But, in recent years, there has definitely been a surge in attention and clinical trials, signalling a promising shift towards finding a solution. This is where the CHORD clinical trial comes in.

What is the CHORD clinical trial?

A team from the University of Cambridge and University College of London have completed the world’s first gene therapy trial aimed at restoring hearing. This treatment, named DB-OTO, developed by biotech leader Regeneron, was administered to 12-month-old Opal Sandy, offering a new horizon for those with a genetic form of hearing loss.

Opal and her older sister both share a mutation in the OTOF gene, which is thought to affect up to 20,000 people in the US and the EU5. This gene is crucial for the production of a protein called otoferlin, which is responsible for transmitting auditory signals from the ear to the brain. Without it, individuals may pass hearing tests but still experience something called auditory neuropathy, which is a condition that disrupts these signals.

Now, this CHORD trial involves a three-part process with children receiving varying doses of gene therapy. Opal underwent a 16-minute procedure under general anaesthetic where a modified harmless virus was infused within her cochlea, delivering a functional OTOF gene to the cells within her inner ear, replacing the faulty DNA and effectively enabling communication along her auditory pathway between the ear and the brain.

The awesome news is that early results from this trial are already exceeding expectations, with Opal’s hearing having significantly improved. This groundbreaking research paves the way for a new era of treating deafness. Opal is one of 18 children undergoing the trial, with more deaf children being recruited over a five-year period to measure the success of this treatment.

Professor Bance, an ear surgeon at the Trust and chief investigator for the trial, said that the initial results were better than he’d hoped and expected and that this has the potential to cure patients with this type of deafness. He also reported that this trial is just the beginning of gene therapies and marks a new era in the treatment of deafness.

The future of gene therapies in treating hearing loss

In my opinion, whilst it’s too early to say for certain, the hope is that gene therapies in the future could eventually replace hearing aids and other technologies, which will potentially be game changers in treating hearing loss.

At the moment, this cure is only possible for this very specific niche and particular type of hearing loss. Of course, when I start to think about the other advances that this may result in, I get incredibly excited about the thoughts of continued exploration in this field, and my hope is that this will expand to find a tinnitus cure too. For the moment, sadly, it’s still being trialled, but of course, I will be the first to let you know as soon as there are any further developments in this field.

Hearing loss cure that ACTUALLY works discovered…

Matthew Allsop is a Partner at Harley Street Hearing and the content creator for Hearing Tracker, where he shares his honest opinions on all things to do with hearing health and hearing aid technology. Hearing Tracker is the world’s first truly independent resource for hearing aid customers. You can watch his video on gene therapy for curing hearing loss below.

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Imagine this now: You’re in a bustling airport waiting for your flight. You look over and see a group of people huddled around a television watching a thrilling sports match, but you can’t hear anything. Now, what if you could tune into that audio directly on your headphones?

Welcome to the future of audio technology, where this is possible with LE Audio and Auracast.

Understanding LE Audio and Auracast

LE Audio, which was introduced in the new Bluetooth 5.2 and 5.3 standards, is a low-powered version of Bluetooth technology designed specifically for when you’re streaming audio.

Along with this, we have the introduction of Auracast, which is a feature that allows an audio source transmitter to broadcast either a single or multiple audio streams to an unlimited number of audio receivers, which in reality could be your Bluetooth earbuds or even Bluetooth hearing aids.

Now, the big question is…

Why is this an improvement on classic Bluetooth?

Bluetooth technology dates way back to 1999 and was designed initially for high bandwith wireless data transfer applications. This happened to include streaming audio, but that isn’t what it was originally designed for.

On the other hand, LE Audio uses a codec called LC3 which stands for Low Complexity Communication Codec, and this supports:

• A wide range of usable bit rates, with bit depths of 16, 24 and 32 bits
• Unlimited channels
• Sampling rates of 8, 16, 24, 32, 44 and 48 kHz

If you’re wondering why bit rate is so important, it’s essentially the number of bits that are conveyed or processed per unit of time. In simpler terms, it’s how much information your audio sends out per second from your device in an online platform. The higher the bit rate, the better the audio quality.

In practical terms, if you’re listening to your favourite song on your headphones using classic Bluetooth, of course, the quality of that sound isn’t going to be that bad – especially if it’s what you’re used to. But when you switch over to LE Audio, you’ll notice the sound is a lot clearer, which is all down to the magic of this LC3 codec built into this LE Audio.

Streaming audio directly to hearing aids with Auracast

Remember the airport scenario from the beginning? With Auracast, you can tune into the audio of the TV broadcasting that sports match directly to your headphones or even your hearing aids, with no more straining to hear over the noise of the crowd that surrounds you. The awesome news is that this goes for hearing aids too.

LE Audio introduces broadcasting of signals to any hearing aid user who is in the range of the transmitter that has a compatible hearing aid, meaning that with the press of a button or using the app for your hearing aids, you can activate the Auracast and you’ll be able to connect to the Auracast transmission.

LE Audio adds lower latency, lower power consumption, and a better quality signal to Bluetooth hearing aids too, and this allows developers to offer more features without impacting the battery life. In my opinion, this is going to have a hugely significant impact on the next generation of hearing aids being built.

We’ve already got Signia, ReSound, and Oticon who’ve got LE Audio built into their hearing aids ready for the global rollout of this Auracast transmission.

If you want to know more about the hearing aids that have this tech built in, then read our review of the best hearing aid technology of 2024.

LE Audio & Auracast DESTROY all existing Bluetooth headphone audio…

Matthew Allsop is a Partner at Harley Street Hearing and the content creator for Hearing Tracker, where he shares his honest opinions on all things to do with hearing health and hearing aid technology. Hearing Tracker is the world’s first truly independent resource for hearing aid customers. You can watch his video on LE Audio & Auracast below.

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Hearing aids are small yet powerful devices that have the ability to transform the lives of anyone suffering from hearing loss.

Whether you’re thinking about getting hearing aids or are simply curious about how they work, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about how they pick up sounds, make them louder and process them to help you understand conversations and enjoy everyday life.

How exactly do hearing aids work?

The technology that goes into making modern hearing aids is incredibly advanced, but the mechanism behind how they work is relatively simple.

The basic function of most hearing aids involves three main components and a straightforward three-step process:

1. Microphone: All hearing aids have a microphone that picks up sound and speech from the environment around you
2. Amplifier: These sounds are then converted into an electrical signal and sent to an amplifier. The amplifier increases the strength of the signal, therefore making the sound louder and clearer
3. Speaker/receiver: These amplified signals are then converted back into sound by a speaker (also known as a receiver), and directed straight into the user’s ear.

Of course, these are the fundamental workings of a hearing aid but many of today’s devices have more sophisticated features that help to improve the user’s listening experience. These may include features that reduce background noise or help you to distinguish specific sounds, but we’ll cover more on this later in the blog.

It’s also worth noting that most hearing aids operate on disposable zinc-air batteries which can last anywhere from 3 to 22 days before needing to be replaced, depending on usage and the type of hearing aid. However, rechargeable hearing aids are now more common than ever with many manufacturers recognising the importance of easy on-the-go charging.

Do hearing aids give you full hearing?

Hearing aids aren’t a cure for hearing loss. They won’t make your hearing perfect, but they do have the ability to help you hear better than you could without them.

They are the most effective solution for many people with a hearing impairment, regardless of the severity or type of hearing loss.

Hearing aids work to improve hearing through a few different ways:

1. Amplification: Hearing loss can make speech and sounds difficult to hear, but hearing aids work to amplify these sounds making them louder and easier to hear. This helps users to better understand speech and sounds around them.
2. Sound quality: Modern hearing aids use advanced technology such as digital signal processing, noise reduction, and feedback cancellation to improve sound quality and deliver clear, concise listening experiences.
3. Personalised listening profiles: Hearing aids can be programmed to amplify specific frequencies more than others, making them tailored to the user’s specific hearing loss and listening environments.

Whilst hearing aids don’t restore hearing to ‘full’ or normal levels, they significantly improve it for many people. They are most effective when implemented as soon as possible, as they can help prevent the worsening of hearing loss over time.

Undiagnosed hearing loss leads to prolonged periods of strain on the auditory processing system. This can lead to further degradation of auditory processing abilities and can eventually make the brain less efficient at processing sounds, even when using hearing aids later on.

Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial for supporting your auditory and brain health, so if you suspect you may have a hearing loss it’s important to book a hearing test as soon as possible.

Hearing aids vs cochlear implants

Hearing aids and cochlear implants are both devices used to improve hearing, but they serve different purposes and types of hearing loss.

Generally speaking, hearing aids are suitable for most individuals with mild to profound hearing loss who have a good level of speech understanding. If an individual has moderate to profound hearing loss with poor speech understanding and hearing aids prove to be of little benefit, cochlear implants may be an option.

Cochlear implants are electronic devices that are surgically inserted into the cochlea. They are designed to bypass damaged parts of the ear (sensory hair cells) and directly stimulate the auditory nerve to provide a sense of sound.

The key difference between both is that hearing aids are non-surgical (auditory stimulation) and cochlear implants are surgical (electric stimulation). The choice between the two is typically down to necessity as opposed to preference, with cochlear implants sometimes being the only solution for those with profound deafness who do not benefit from hearing aids anymore.

If you have been wearing hearing aids for a while and feel you are not benefiting from them and would like to discuss the possibility of cochlear implants, then get in touch with our clinic.

Features of the different hearing aid styles

There are several different styles of hearing aids, each with its own set of features, benefits and mechanisms.

Earlier, we explored the basic mechanics of how hearing aids work, but let’s take a look at the individual styles and how they differ:

Behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids

BTE hearing aids consist of a small case worn behind the ear which is connected to an earpiece via a clear plastic tube. The case contains all the electronic components such as the microphone, amplifier, and battery.

How they work:

1. The microphone picks up external sounds and converts them into electrical signals
2. The amplifier increases the strength of the electrical signals
3. The amplified signals are then delivered through the clear plastic tube to the earpiece, where they are transmitted into the ear canal

Behind-the-ear hearing aids are suitable for a wide range of hearing loss, from mild to profound, and can accommodate additional features such as wireless connectivity, telecoils and directional microphones.

Receiver-in-Canal (RIC) / Receiver-In-Ear (RITE) hearing aids

These are similar to BTE hearing aids but with a smaller casing behind the ear, and the receiver sits inside the ear canal instead of in the main housing.

How they work:

1. Sound is collected by the microphone and processed by the electronics in the housing behind the ear
2. The processed sound is transmitted through a thin wire to the receiver inside the ear canal
3. The receiver converts the electrical signals back into sound and delivers it directly into the ear canal

RIC or RITE hearing aids usually provide a more natural sound quality and reduce the occlusion effect (the sensation of sounds being blocked due to an obstruction in the ear). They are suitable for many individuals with mild to severe hearing loss.

In-the-ear (ITE) hearing aids

ITE hearing aids are custom-made to fit comfortably within the ear. They are available in different sizes, from full-shell to Completely-in-the-Canal (CIC).

How they work:

1. A custom-moulded shell houses all electronic components including the microphone, amplifier, and battery
2. The microphone picks up sound, and the amplifier processes and amplifies the signals
3. The amplified sound is delivered through a speaker located within the shell, directly into the ear canal

In-the-ear hearing aids are suitable for those with mild to severe hearing loss, and can accommodate additional features such as volume controls and directional microphones.

Invisible-in-canal (IIC) hearing aids

This is the smallest and most discreet style of hearing aid which is virtually invisible when worn. Custom-made to fit deep inside the ear canal, IIC hearing aids are less visible to others around you.

How they work:

1. Similar to ITE models, all components are housed within a custom-moulded earpiece that sits deep inside the ear
2. Sound is picked up through the microphone, and the amplifier works to process and amplify the signals
3. The amplified sound is delivered directly into the ear canal through a tiny speaker, positioned close to the eardrum

IIC hearing aids are suitable for those with mild to moderate hearing loss, and are ideal for users who want the most discreet hearing solution.

If you’re looking for a completely invisible hearing aid we recommend the Phonak Lyric, the world’s only truly invisible device. Harley Street Hearing is the original Lyric clinic in the UK and the number one Lyric clinic in Europe, and we offer a no-risk Lyric hearing assessment and no-obligation 30-day trial.

Additional features of hearing aids

Beyond their basic functions, many modern hearing aids are now fitted with advanced features designed to improve usability and listening experience.

Hearing aids can be customised to suit an individual’s needs and preferences, but some of the most common features that can be found include:

• Telecoils: This enables the hearing aid to pick up sound from compatible sound systems such as those found in theatres or churches, providing a clearer listening experience in public places.
• Bluetooth connectivity: Most modern hearing aids can connect wirelessly to smartphones, tablets, TVs and other devices, allowing users to stream audio directly to their hearing aids.
• Directional microphones: These microphones can focus on sounds coming from specific directions which is particularly useful in noisy environments.
• Feedback cancellation: This feature minimises the whistling or feedback sounds that can occur with hearing aids, providing a clearer listening experience especially outdoors.
• Tinnitus masking: Some hearing aids offer tinnitus masking features, which generate soothing sounds to help alleviate the symptoms of tinnitus.

The importance of getting the perfect hearing aid for you

Not every advanced feature will be necessary for everyone, which is why it’s important to get a hearing aid tailored to your requirements. The best way to do this is to book a hearing test with an audiologist.

A hearing test will accurately diagnose your type of hearing loss and the severity of it, which will help to inform the choice of hearing aid. Your audiologist will also take the time to understand your individual hearing needs based on lifestyle and preferences, and will then be able to recommend the most suitable device for you.

Harley Street Hearing has a team of fully qualified clinical audiologists who specialise in helping patients on their journey to better hearing. We listen and we understand, and we take great pride in providing all our patients with personalised care. Our hearing aid patients are patients for life, with complimentary annual checkups to ensure they are getting the most out of their device.

As an independent audiology company, we work with all major UK hearing aid manufacturers and can choose from an extensive range of devices with unbiased advice.

We have hearing clinics across London and you don’t need a GP referral to book a hearing test with us. To find out more or to book an appointment, contact us online or call us on 020 7486 1053.

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