Stanford Medicine magazine focuses on the importance of listening and hearing

The issue offers eight different perspectives on the art and science of hearing. It looks at how new research is leading the way toward solving the mysteries of how we process sound, and how sound affects us physically and emotionally. One of the articles examines the unique challenge faced by modern medicine to ensure the crucial bond between doctors and patients, which revolves around listening.

This spring edition is rich with stories about the healing power of sound, as well as potential breakthroughs in treating hearing loss. Opera singer Renée Fleming explains why she is working with scientists to explore how music can improve overall health and wellbeing, the News Center reports .

Breakthroughs in medicine and technology related to hearing, listening, and sound take center stage in the magazine. One article looks at research concerning aminoglycosides and hearing loss. Another focuses on researchers who are trying to understand hearing loss, in order to offer new treatments to people with the condition. The issue also showcases some of Stanford’s own researchers, for example those working on the promising area of intelligent listening technologies.

Lastly, there is a piece on how hair cells are able to grow back in birds, amphibians, and reptiles. It looks at how scientists are hoping to make human hair cells react more like those in these animals, to regenerate this essential component of hearing.

Source: Stanford Medicine News Center