UC Berkeley engineers have developed smart earbuds that detect drowsiness, potentially preventing dangerous situations like falling asleep while driving. The device monitors signs of fatigue before you doze off, providing an early warning system to ...

Do you occasionally struggle to quiet your mind when trying to fall asleep? Scientists now point to a tiny brain region—the locus coeruleus, or “blue dot”—as the hidden conductor of your sleep cycle. Understanding it could help you shut off mental ...

You might think the tiny muscles around your ears are just for wiggling—a quirky party trick inherited from ancient ancestors. But new research found these muscles spring to life when you’re trying to listen, like untangling a conversation in a noisy ...

Brenda Schmidt’s She Heard Her Footsteps introduces Lily, a girl whose vibrant imagination meets the world of sound through new hearing aids. This illustrated tale, inspired by the author’s life, celebrates curiosity and the beauty of embracing ...

We live in a world that never stops shouting. From blaring traffic to relentless notifications, noise has become a toxic companion. But science and lived experience reveal a radical truth: Silence isn’t empty—it’s essential.

Why it matters

Silence ...

A new study finds that noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) not only impairs the ability to hear sounds but also disrupts the brain's decision-making and movement control.

Why it matters

Exposure to loud noise can reduce higher-level cognitive ...

Music moves us. But for musicians, the loud beats that define their craft often come at a cost: irreversible hearing damage. Here’s how iconic artists like Chris Martin and Pete Townshend navigate this silent struggle—and what it means for anyone exposed ...

For decades, earplugs were seen as clunky, uncanny tools for old rockers or safety nerds. Not anymore. Today, stylish hearing protection is everywhere: at concerts, clubs, and even offices. The shift isn’t just about fashion—it’s a survival story. ...

Research from Apple and the University of Michigan reveals that Super Bowl celebrations create measurable noise increases nationwide, not just in stadiums. Using data from over 115,000 Apple Watch users, researchers tracked noise levels during four ...