Asons Solicitors Comment on New Hearing Loss Research by Stanford University
Bolton, United Kingdom (PRWEB UK) 9 July 2013 -- During their research, Stanford University found that loud blasts actually cause hair-cell and nerve-cell damage, rather than structural damage, to the cochlea. This could be good news for millions of soldiers, and could even change the lives of those suffering from industrial deafness. (1)
“It means we could potentially try to reduce this damage,” said John Oghalai, MD, associate professor of otolaryngology and senior author of the study.(1)
This new study was primarily funded by the U.S. Department of Defence, as according to statistics more than 60 percent of wounded-in-action service members have eardrum injuries, tinnitus or hearing loss, or some combination of these. (1)
According to Stanford University, permanent hearing loss from loud noise begins at about 85 decibels, typical of a hair dryer or a food blender. Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) have noise levels approaching 170 decibels. (1)
After exposing anesthetized mice to loud blasts, Stanford Researchers examined the inner workings of the mouse ear from the eardrum to the cochlea. The ears were examined throughout the study for three months. A micro-CT scanner was used to examine the inner ear throughout the study, and closely monitored the impact of the noise exposure. (1)
“When we looked inside the cochlea, we saw the hair-cell loss and auditory-nerve-cell loss,” Oghalai said. (1)
According to Stanford, much of the resulting hearing loss, after such blast damage to the ear, is actually caused by the body’s immune response to the injured cells. The creation of scar tissue to help heal the injury causes problems in the ear, because the organ needs to vibrate to allow the hearing mechanism to work. Scar tissue damages that ability,results in occupational hearing loss when people work in particularly loud environments. (1)
Thomas Fairclough, Asons Executive, Stated that:
“These studies showed that the blast trauma from an explosion is similar to prolonged exposure to lower noise levels. These developments, discovered by Stanford University may help prevent, and eventually cure Noise Induced Hearing Loss and Occupational Deafness.” (1)
“There is going to be a window where we could stop whatever the body’s inflammatory response would be right after the blast,” Oghalai said. “We might be able to stop the damage. This will determine future research.”(1)
(1) Hearing loss from loud blasts may be treatable, researchers say - http://med.stanford.edu/ism/2013/july/blast.html#sthash.ARYURTJ7.nHyd2X76.dpuf – Stanford School Of Medicine July 2013
Asons Solicitors suggest that if someone would like to learn more about the hearing loss claim process, or if they would like to better understand occupational hearing loss, that information is available at http://www.asons.co.uk, or via an expert helpline on 01204 521 133
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About Asons Solicitors:
Asons Solicitors is a Bolton-based law practice that specialises in personal injury and industrial disease claims. Founded by brothers Imran Akram and Kamran Akram, Asons Solicitors has developed to become a young and dynamic law firm that delivers practical solutions to clients in times of difficulty. Their continued focus on their staff has seen them awarded with the Investors in People “Gold Award”; which is reflected in the professional and personable approach they take in working with clients. They strive to grow and to develop, and their supportiveness and attention to detail ensures that their clients use them time and again.
For further information contact:
Email: info(at)asons(dot)co(dot)uk
Website: http://www.asons.co.uk
Imran Akram, Asons Solicitors, http://www.asons.co.uk, 08448501062, [email protected]
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