Genetic link found to noise-induced hearing loss

Last Updated: 2006-07-05 10:20:23 -0400 (Reuters Health)

LONDON - Belgian scientists have pinpointed three genes that may explain why some people exposed to loud noise suffer hearing loss.

The genes, discovered by Professor Guy Van Camp and researchers at the University of Antwerp, are involved in the recycling of potassium in the inner ear, which is essential for normal hearing.

Dr. Ralph Holme, of Britain's national charity for the deaf and hard of hearing RNID, which funded the research, described the finding as a very exciting breakthrough. "This discovery could revolutionize the way this common form of hearing loss is prevented and treated in the future," he said in a statement on Wednesday.

Van Camp found the genes while studying more than 1,000 men who had been exposed to loud noise while working in paper pulp mills and steel factories in Sweden. Nearly 80 percent had been subjected to noise for at least 20 years.

After testing the men's hearing, the scientists did a genetic analysis of the 10 percent of men who were most sensitive to noise and an equal number who were the most resistant.

"Significant differences between the susceptible and resistant workers were found in the sequence of three genes KCNE1, KCNQ1 and KCNQ4," said Van Camp who reported the findings in the journal Human Mutations.

"Further studies of KCNE1 show the version of the gene associated with increased risk to noise causes the encoded ion channel to open more rapidly than the normal version," he added in a statement.

The defect could make people more sensitive to noise.

Noise-induced hearing loss is caused by sounds ranging from 120 to 150 decibels. Motorcycles, firecrackers and guns emit sounds in that range, according to the National Institute on Deafness and other Communication Disorders in the United States.

Heavy city traffic noise can be about 85 decibels. Noise measuring less than 80 decibels, even after long exposure, is unlikely to cause hearing problems.

Loud noise is an attributable cause, at least in part, in about one third of the 28 million Americans who have some degree of hearing loss.

More than a million Britons are at risk or have already experienced hearing loss due to loud noise, the RNID said.

Copyright © 2006 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of Reuters content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters. Reuters shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon. Reuters and the Reuters sphere logo are registered trademarks and trademarks of the Reuters group of companies around the world.

People with learning difficulties abused:UK report

Last Updated: 2006-07-05 10:26:53 -0400 (Reuters Health)

By Michael Holden

LONDON - Checks will be carried out on all services providing care to Britons with learning difficulties after two independent bodies said on Wednesday there were "serious concerns" about their treatment.

The warning came after an investigation by the Healthcare Commission and the Commission for Social Care Inspection (CSCI) into Cornwall NHS Trust found what they called unacceptable standards of care including evidence of institutional abuse.

"Let us first be clear we are not saying that the abusive behavior we found in Cornwall is happening everywhere," said a joint statement from Anna Walker, the Healthcare Commission's chief executive, and David Behan, CSCI chief inspector.

"But sadly Cornwall is not the only service where serious allegations have been made in recent months."

The Cornwall inquiry said there have been serious failings at Budock Hospital near Falmouth, which treated 18 inpatients, and at 4 children's units and 46 houses occupied by people with learning difficulties.

Abuse ranged from physical to the misuse of people's money.

The report said there was evidence some staff were hitting, dragging and pushing residents. Staff were also reported to have withheld food and given people cold showers.

Some staff members, although well intentioned, were not properly trained or using the best practices. There was an over-reliance on medication to control behavior, and an illegal and prolonged use of restraint.

One person spent 16 hours a day tied to a bed or wheelchair by staff in the mistaken belief it was for the patient's own protection, the report found.

A number of staff members have since been disciplined and a ward at Budock closed down.

NO EXCUSES

"The failings which have been brought to light are shocking and shameful. There are no excuses," said Lezli Boswell, the trust's new chief executive who took over in May.

"I cannot and will not attempt to justify what has happened as it is inexcusable. My job now, as the new chief executive, is to turn the services around."

The Healthcare Commission has recommended that Health Secretary Patricia Hewitt place the Cornwall Trust under special measures.

It also said it would work with the CSCI to examine all NHS and independent providers of care for those with learning difficulties.

"Instances of abuse can be symptomatic of services that have been neglected for too long," the joint statement said.

"They are the most serious sign of a problem, but our concerns are much broader. We detect a widespread lack of understanding about the rights and needs of people with learning disabilities."

More than a million people in England, about 2 percent of the population, are estimated to have learning disabilities.

"It is not acceptable to overlook the needs of these vulnerable people because they rarely capture the headlines or in some cases are unable to champion their own rights," the statement added.

Copyright © 2006 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of Reuters content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters. Reuters shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon. Reuters and the Reuters sphere logo are registered trademarks and trademarks of the Reuters group of companies around the world.