At a moment in time when we’re all standing farther apart and most of us have masks covering our faces, the world can seem a pretty challenging place for those with hearing impairment. In fact, not being able to understand facial expressions or read lips can be devastating for those who have suffered hearing loss. And while there are creative solutions that may help minimize some of the challenges that come from wearing face masks (have you seen the options for masks with clear panels on Etsy?), the reality is that we all need to be sensitive to the difficulties that those with hearing loss may be experiencing at this time. For some ideas on how to help yourself or your loved ones hear better at this moment, take a look here. And click here for some anecdotal reports of the effect of the coronavirus on the hearing of those infected with the virus.

But perhaps the bigger news from the world of hearing loss may be the discovery of what appears to be a definitive cause of age-related hearing loss (also known as presbycusis). In a new study from the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary and Harvard University, scientists have concluded that loss of the tiny hair cells in the inner ear that transmit electrical signals to the brain is the cause of most age-related hearing loss. Not only does this upend prevailing theories about the cause of such hearing loss (which afflicts nearly 50% of adults over age 75), but it also points to a promising path for hearing restoration for many, as there is ongoing research to regenerate missing hair cells and thus restore hearing. Furthermore, the research underscores that we should, as a society, be addressing environmental noise exposures to lessen the loss of hearing in older adults. To better understand the impact of loud noise on hearing abilities, quiet your environment, and catch some CDC guidance here. Finally, if you’re wearing headphones both to block out surrounding sounds and to better hear what you’re listening to, you may be surprised to find out that you can also damage your hearing through the use of such headphones. To understand the risks, remove your headset, and turn your attention here.