With today's deafening concerts and parties, one can think about having hearing aids in the future right? Researchers, however, have found that changing a small detail in the ear canal can guard against audio disturbance from noisy clamors.
There is a sound-limiting system in the ear that signals the brain to decrease sensory hair cells in the ear. Researchers have found that changing the protein nAChR genetically can further turn down the ear and protect the ear from auditory harm.
Experiments done on mice observed that mice with the alteration, though less able to hear softer sounds than normal mice, were more protected and suffered less permanent hearing damage when exposed to sound levels equivalent to those produced in parties or rock concerts.
This track of study might be a potential way of protecting ears from sound damage.
SOURCE: PLoS Biology, 2009
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