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Diagnostics
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Recent Advances in Hearing and Audiology Science: Diagnosis and Management
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Recent Advances in Hearing and Audiology Science: Diagnosis and Management

A special issue of Diagnostics (ISSN 2075-4418). This special issue belongs to the section "Clinical Diagnosis and Prognosis".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 December 2025) | Viewed by 8589

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Yu Sun

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China
Interests: endoscopic ear surgery; genetic hearing loss; cochlear immune response and inflammation
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue explores cutting-edge developments in the diseases related to hearing and audiology, focusing on innovative diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. Key topics include the genetic mechanisms of deafness, advancements in cochlear implants and artificial hearing, and breakthroughs in hair cell regeneration for hearing restoration. We will also discuss central auditory processing and its role in hearing disorders, as well as clinical applications in vestibular and balance disorders and tinnitus management. With contributions from experts, this session aims to bridge the gap between foundational research and clinical practice, offering insights into emerging technologies and personalized treatment approaches in audiology. The Special Issue is also in cooperation with the 11th China Hearing Conference and welcomes submissions from conference participants.

Prof. Dr. Yu Sun
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Diagnostics is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • hearing loss
  • genetic deafness
  • cochlear implants
  • hair cell regeneration
  • central auditory processing
  • vestibular disorders
  • tinnitus intervention

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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21 pages, 3413 KB  
Article
The Whole Transcriptome Sequencing Profile of Serum-Derived Exosomes and Potential Pathophysiology of Age-Related Hearing Loss
by Guijun Yang, Zhongqin Xie, Yu Huang, Jing Ke, Ziyi Tang, Zhiji Chen, Shaojing Kuang, Feixian Li, Huan Luo, Qin Lai, Bo Wang, Juhong Zhang and Wei Yuan
Diagnostics 2026, 16(2), 248; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics16020248 - 12 Jan 2026
Viewed by 343
Abstract
Objectives: To systematically analyze the expression profiles of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in serum-derived exosomes from patients with age-related hearing loss (ARHL), and to further identify key regulatory lncRNAs involved in the pathogenesis and progression of ARHL. Methods: Peripheral blood samples were collected [...] Read more.
Objectives: To systematically analyze the expression profiles of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in serum-derived exosomes from patients with age-related hearing loss (ARHL), and to further identify key regulatory lncRNAs involved in the pathogenesis and progression of ARHL. Methods: Peripheral blood samples were collected from patients with ARHL and age-matched normal-hearing controls. Serum was separated and exosomes were extracted. The exosomes were identified by nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and Western blot. Subsequently, total RNA was extracted from the purified exosomes for lncRNA transcriptome sequencing. Based on the sequencing results, we identified differentially expressed lncRNAs and mRNAs and conducted multi-dimensional functional analysis, including Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), Reactome pathway database (Reactome), and Disease Ontology (DO). Finally, four key mRNAs (THAP2, ZNF225, MED12, and RNF141) and four differentially expressed lncRNAs (DE-lncRNAs), namely MSTRG.150961.7, ENSG00000273015, MSTRG.336598.1, and ENSG00000273493, were experimentally verified by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) technology. Results: Exosomes were successfully isolated from serum and confirmed by particle size, morphological examination, and the expression of exosome-labeled proteins. A total of 2874 DE-lncRNAs were identified, among which 988 were downregulated and 1886 were upregulated. Similarly, 2132 DE-mRNAs were detected, among which 882 were downregulated and 1250 were upregulated. GO analysis revealed significant enrichment in biological processes such as “phospholipid binding”, “phosphatidylinositol binding”, “phosphatase binding”, “phosphatidylinositol bisphosphate binding”, “phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate binding”, “phosphatidylinositol-3,5-bisphosphate phosphatase activity”. KEGG is significantly enriched in signaling pathways including “Wnt signaling pathway”, “Hippo signaling pathway”, “Cushing syndrome”, and “Nucleocytoplasmic transport”. The functional annotations of Reactome were significantly enriched in biomolecular pathways including “tRNA processing”, “Cellular response to heat stress”, “Extra-nuclear estrogen signaling”, “Metabolism of non-coding RNA”, and “CTNNB1 T41 mutants aren’t phosphorylated”. DO is significantly enriched in diseases or pathological conditions such as “hepatitis”, “bacterial infectious disease”, “cystic fibrosis”, and “vasculitis”. Conclusions:THAP2, ZNF225, MED12, and RNF141 may serve as potential candidate biomarker for ARHL. Additionally, lncRNA MSTRG.150961.7, lncRNA MSTRG.336598.1, and lncRNA ENSG00000273493 may play significant roles in the pathogenesis of this condition. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Hearing and Audiology Science: Diagnosis and Management)
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17 pages, 438 KB  
Article
Prevalence and Interplay of Modifiable and Genetic Determinants of Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Among Saudi Adults: A Nationwide Study
by Mohammad A. Jareebi, Riyadh A. Jahlan, Abdulrahman A. Otaif, Abdulelah A. Otaif, Abdulrahman A. Daghreeri, Mashael S. Mahnashi, Raghad W. Al Nahwe, Yahya A. Maslamani, Ali Y. Mashragi, Abdullah Mawkili, Wedad Mawkili, Faisal Hakami, Sulaiman Ahmed Hussain Darbashi, Majed A. Ryani and Ahmed A. Bahri
Diagnostics 2026, 16(1), 86; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics16010086 - 26 Dec 2025
Viewed by 425
Abstract
Background/Objectives: Eustachian Tube Dysfunction (ETD) is a prevalent condition affecting middle ear pressure regulation, yet nationwide epidemiological data in Saudi Arabia remain limited. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of ETD and identify its associated factors among Saudi adults using a [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: Eustachian Tube Dysfunction (ETD) is a prevalent condition affecting middle ear pressure regulation, yet nationwide epidemiological data in Saudi Arabia remain limited. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of ETD and identify its associated factors among Saudi adults using a validated screening tool. Methods: A nationwide cross-sectional study was conducted between June 2024 and March 2025 among 1124 Saudi adults (aged ≥ 18 years) across five geographic regions. ETD was assessed using the validated Arabic version of the seven-item Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Questionnaire (ETDQ-7), with scores ≥ 14.5 indicating dysfunction. Data on demographic, anthropometric, clinical, and lifestyle characteristics were collected via an online questionnaire. Multiple linear regression analysis identified independent predictors of ETDQ-7 scores, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. Results: The prevalence of ETD was 33.9% (95% CI: 31.1–36.8%), substantially higher than the 7% self-reported rate. Of affected participants, 29.6% had mild-to-moderate ETD and 4.3% had severe dysfunction. Multivariable regression analysis identified four significant independent predictors: higher body mass index (BMI) (β = 0.08; 95% CI: 0.03–0.16; p = 0.049), family history of hearing loss (β = 1.87; 95% CI: 0.90–2.83; p < 0.001), prior bariatric bypass surgery (β = 14.37; 95% CI: 3.33–25.41; p = 0.011), and allergies (β = 3.19; 95% CI: 2.30–4.07; p < 0.001). No significant associations were found with demographic factors, smoking, or other comorbidities. Conclusions: ETD affects approximately one-third of Saudi adults, with significant underdiagnosis. Obesity, genetic predisposition, bariatric surgery, and allergic conditions represent key modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors. These findings support implementing routine ETDQ-7 screening in primary care and targeted interventions for high-risk populations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Hearing and Audiology Science: Diagnosis and Management)
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17 pages, 881 KB  
Article
Electrophysiological Evidence of Early Auditory Dysfunction in Personal Listening Device Users: Insights from ABR with Ipsilateral Masking
by A. P. Divya, Praveen Prakash, Sreeraj Konadath, Reesha Oovattil Hussain, Vijaya Kumar Narne and Sunil Kumar Ravi
Diagnostics 2025, 15(21), 2672; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics15212672 - 23 Oct 2025
Viewed by 745
Abstract
Background: Recreational noise exposure from personal listening devices (PLDs) may lead to hidden hearing loss (HHL), affecting auditory nerve function despite normal pure-tone audiometry (PTA) and otoacoustic emissions (OAE). Subclinical auditory damage at the synaptic level often goes undetected by conventional assessments, emphasizing [...] Read more.
Background: Recreational noise exposure from personal listening devices (PLDs) may lead to hidden hearing loss (HHL), affecting auditory nerve function despite normal pure-tone audiometry (PTA) and otoacoustic emissions (OAE). Subclinical auditory damage at the synaptic level often goes undetected by conventional assessments, emphasizing the need for more sensitive measures. Recorded click ABR in the presence of various levels of ipsilateral maskers for the better identification of auditory damage at the synaptic level. These results could help to develop a better objective diagnostic tool that can detect hidden hearing loss. Objective: To examine the effects of PLD usage on extended high-frequency audiometric thresholds and on click-evoked auditory brainstem responses (ABR) with and without ipsilateral masking in individuals with normal hearing. Materials and Methods: Thirty-five young adults aged 18–35 years (18 PLD users, 17 controls) with clinically normal hearing were recruited. Extended high-frequency audiometry (EHFA) was conducted from 9 to 16 kHz. Click-evoked ABRs were recorded at 80 dB nHL under unmasked and ipsilateral broadband noise-masked conditions at 50, 60, and 70 dB SPL. ABR analyses included absolute and relative amplitude (V/I) and latencies of waves I, III, and V. Results: PLD users demonstrated significantly elevated extended high-frequency thresholds compared to controls. ABR analyses revealed reduced Wave I amplitudes across stimulus conditions in PLD users, while Wave V amplitudes were largely preserved, resulting in consistently higher V/I amplitude ratios under masked conditions. No group differences were observed for Wave III amplitudes or absolute/interpeak latencies, except for a modest prolongation of I–III latency at one masker level in PLD users. Conclusions: Conventional audiological tests may not detect early auditory damage; however, extended high-frequency audiometry and ABR with ipsilateral masking demonstrate greater sensitivity in identifying noise-induced functional changes within the auditory brainstem pathways. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Hearing and Audiology Science: Diagnosis and Management)
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Review

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13 pages, 682 KB  
Review
Hearing Loss in Infants and Children with Asymptomatic Congenital Cytomegalovirus Infection: An Update in Diagnosis, Screening and Treatment
by Yiyun Zhang, Yihan Ke, Mengwen Shi, Xiaoying Wang, Jie Yuan and Yu Sun
Diagnostics 2025, 15(16), 2026; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics15162026 - 13 Aug 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 4297
Abstract
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) represents the most prevalent cause of congenital viral infection in newborns and the leading non-genetic etiology of sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) in children. Notably, only 10–15% of congenitally infected infants possibly present with classic clinical symptoms at birth, including Small for [...] Read more.
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) represents the most prevalent cause of congenital viral infection in newborns and the leading non-genetic etiology of sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) in children. Notably, only 10–15% of congenitally infected infants possibly present with classic clinical symptoms at birth, including Small for gestational age, Microcephaly, Petechiae or purpura, Blueberry muffin rash, Jaundice, Hepatomegaly, Splenomegaly and abnormal neurologic signs. In contrast, approximately 90% of infected neonates exhibit no apparent symptoms initially. Current research predominantly focuses on symptomatic cases due to their severe acute presentations and high rates of long-term sequelae (40–60%), including SNHL and neurodevelopmental impairments. However, significant controversy persists regarding the management of asymptomatic infants. Emerging evidence reveals that 8–15% of asymptomatic carriers develop Late-onset Hearing Loss (LOHL) beyond the neonatal period. Additionally, 5–10% may manifest neurodevelopmental abnormalities including mild intellectual disability, learning difficulties, or motor coordination disorders. Crucially, given the substantial population of asymptomatic cCMV cases, these delayed complications account for 30–40% of all cCMV-related long-term morbidity, underscoring their considerable public health impact. This review synthesizes current evidence and controversies regarding cCMV-related SNHL in asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic children, with a focus on screening, diagnostic classification, and antiviral management gaps, to heighten clinical awareness of this underrecognized cause of hearing loss. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Hearing and Audiology Science: Diagnosis and Management)
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Other

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15 pages, 1356 KB  
Systematic Review
Analysis of the Reasons for Poor Prognosis in Severe to Profound Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
by Linrui Chen, Jianhui Qiu, Qianqian Zhang, Zian Xi, Qiong Wu, Mingwei Xu, Qin Zhang, Yulian Jin, Jun Yang, Maoli Duan, Qing Zhang and Zhiyuan Zhang
Diagnostics 2025, 15(21), 2770; https://doi.org/10.3390/diagnostics15212770 - 31 Oct 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2333
Abstract
Objectives: Patients with severe to profound sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) generally experience poorer hearing recovery; however, the associated risk factors have not been identified. This study synthesizes current evidence to explore prognostic risk factors in this patient group. Methods: Databases were systematically [...] Read more.
Objectives: Patients with severe to profound sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL) generally experience poorer hearing recovery; however, the associated risk factors have not been identified. This study synthesizes current evidence to explore prognostic risk factors in this patient group. Methods: Databases were systematically searched through PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library, from their inception to 18 October 2025. Three researchers independently extracted and recorded patient information and relevant data from all selected studies. Any inconsistencies were clarified through discussion or by consulting a fourth researcher. Results: The study included 2632 patients from 15 articles published between 2002 and 2025 and evaluated 8 prognostic risk factors. The results showed that profound hearing loss (OR = 4.68; 95% CI: 3.57–6.13; p < 0.001) and vertigo (OR = 1.95; 95% CI: 1.28–2.98; p = 0.002) were correlated with poorer hearing recovery. Subgroup analyses based on different prognostic criteria confirmed the consistent impact of hearing loss severity on poor outcomes. The remaining 6 risk factors did not show statistically meaningful associations. Conclusions: Profound hearing loss and vertigo are significantly associated with poorer prognosis in patients with severe to profound SSNHL. These findings may help identify high-risk patients early and inform the design of personalized therapeutic approaches in clinical settings. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Hearing and Audiology Science: Diagnosis and Management)
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