Unconventional Ear Therapy Can Reduce Bad Effects of Aging, Study Finds

Category: Health

Listening

Unlocking Word Meanings

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.

  1. current / ˈkɜr ənt / (n) – a flow of something, usually electricity
    Example:

    A strong electric current can be painful and even deadly.


  2. essential / əˈsɛn ʃəl / (adj) – very important
    Example:

    The stomach is an essential part of the digestive system.


  3. kick in / kɪk ɪn / (phrasal) – to become active
    Example:

    The medicine kicked in five minutes after he took it, and he started feeling better then.


  4. long-term / ˈlɔŋˌtɜrm / (adj) – involving a long period of time
    Example:

    Some of the long-term benefits of exercising include stronger muscles and better resistance to diseases.


  5. stem from / stɛm frəm / (phrasal) – to come from something or to be the cause of something
    Example:

    His fear of heights stems from an accident he witnessed years ago.


Article

Read the text below.

Researchers have found that running a small electric current through the ear can reduce the effects of aging by restoring balance to the nervous system.


Scientists from the University of Leeds conducted a study to see the effects of electrically stimulating the vagus /ˈveɪ gəs/ nerve through the ears. This nerve is an essential part of the autonomic /ˌɔ təˈnɒm ɪk/ nervous system, which controls involuntary body functions such as heart rate and blood pressure.


The scientists gathered 29 volunteers aged 55 and above. For two weeks, the group was given a small electric current to the ear that lasted 15 minutes. The researchers found that the procedure benefited those who showed the most signs of aging at the beginning of the study. They believe that the improvement happened because the therapy restored balance between the two branches of the nervous system.


These two branches are called the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system. Once the body senses danger, the sympathetic branch kicks in and causes muscles to tense and the heart rate to increase. When a person is resting, the parasympathetic branch relaxes the muscles and lowers the heart rate.


As people age, an imbalance develops between these two branches. The sympathetic branch becomes more active, while the parasympathetic branch functions less. This imbalance leads to diseases such as heart problems and mood disorders like depression.


Following these findings, the scientists want to investigate the therapy’s long-term effects. Lead scientist Dr. Beatrice Bretherton is considering doing research on whether the therapy could treat diseases that stem from the imbalance in the nervous system due to aging.


Viewpoint Discussion

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.

Discussion A

• Do you think people would be willing to try this therapy? Why or why not?
• Why do you think researchers conduct studies dealing with the side effects of aging? Discuss.

Discussion B

• In your opinion, what is the most difficult change that comes with aging? Explain.
• How do people usually cope with aging-related changes? Discuss.