New research released during ENT's annual meeting.

Dallas, TX–Hearing loss, estimated to affect upwards of 48 million people in the United States, was a hot topic among new research presented at the 2015 Annual Meeting & OTO EXPO of the American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery Foundation (AAO-HNSF) in Dallas. The Annual Meeting featured new research findings from across all areas of the otolaryngology specialty.

Several of the oral presentations looked at the impact hearing loss and its treatment options have at different stages in life–from hearing problems in infants and children and the influence that has on their development, to how older adults are affected when their hearing begins to fade. Among the studies presented are:

Depression after Hearing Loss Treatment: Results from the SMART Study
Hearing loss in older adults is associated with depressive symptoms. Do hearing aids and cochlear implants help?
Abstract: http://oto.sagepub.com/content/153/1_suppl/P91.full#sec-19

Middle Ear Findings for Children with Conductive Hearing Loss
What causes children to experience hearing loss in one ear?
Abstract: http://oto.sagepub.com/content/153/1_suppl/P91.full#sec-39

Hearing Problems and Grade Repetition amongst U.S. Children
A study of 73.6 million children finds that hearing problems are associated with needing to repeat a grade in school.
Abstract: http://oto.sagepub.com/content/153/1_suppl/P45.full#sec-16

The Assessment of Intellectual Development with CI in Children
Decreased verbal ability affects children's intellectual development, especially cognition and social-emotional responses. So what's the intellectual progression for children with cochlear implants?
Abstract: http://oto.sagepub.com/content/153/1_suppl/P116.full#sec-2

Long-term Results and Prognostic Factors in Adult Cochlear Implants
Does age or prior hearing aid use affect outcomes in adult cochlear implantation?
Abstract: http://oto.sagepub.com/content/153/1_suppl/P91.full#sec-35

Systematic Review of Pediatric Auditory Brainstem Implant Outcomes
Are auditory brainstem implants a reasonable option for deaf children who are not candidates for cochlear implants?
Abstract: http://oto.sagepub.com/content/153/1_suppl/P91.full#sec-70

Outcomes of Primary and Revision Pediatric ABI Surgery
Experience with auditory brainstem implants in the United States is limited. Is this a safe and effective method of hearing rehabilitation for infants who are not candidates for cochlear implants?
Abstract: http://oto.sagepub.com/content/153/1_suppl/P91.full#sec-50

Hearing Impairment and Anxiety in Older Adults
Hearing loss is highly prevalent in older adults. Do those with mild or moderate hearing impairment have increased odds of anxiety?
Abstract: http://oto.sagepub.com/content/153/1_suppl/P91.full#sec-27

A full searchable schedule for the Annual Meeting is online at http://www.entannualmeeting.org. Abstracts of all the research to be presented are available at http://oto.sagepub.com/content/153/1_suppl.toc.

About the AAO-HNS/F

The American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, one of the oldest medical associations in the nation, represents about 12,000 physicians and allied health professionals who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the ears, nose, throat, and related structures of the head and neck. The Academy serves its members by facilitating the advancement of the science and art of medicine related to otolaryngology and by representing the specialty in governmental and socioeconomic issues. The AAO-HNS Foundation works to advance the art, science, and ethical practice of otolaryngology-head and neck surgery through education, research, and lifelong learning. The organization's vision: "Empowering otolaryngologist-head and neck surgeons to deliver the best patient care."

Source: http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2015-09/aaoo-ioh092615.php