Ears and hearing
Education on Ears and hearing and Alpha-1 Antitrypsin research from the Mark Egly Foundation, with patent claims clearly labeled as hypothesis.
Research hypothesis, not medical advice
The connections described on this page come from Mark Egly's patent filing and ongoing research. They are not established medical facts. Always work with your physician for diagnosis and treatment.
Research hypothesis. The connection between Ears and hearing and Alpha-1 Antitrypsin is described in Mark Egly's 2020 patent filing. This is not established medical fact and is not medical advice. Always talk with your doctor about your own health.
What is Ears and hearing?
Ears and hearing is a health condition discussed in Mark Egly's research on Alpha-1 Antitrypsin. Sensory conditions affect hearing, vision, or related senses.
What Mark Egly's patent discusses
Administration of AAT may control formation of neutrophil extracellular traps within the ears, including excessive neutrophils within the ear canals, especially in babies and young children. With AAT, children's earaches and the use of tubes can be prevented by measuring excess neutrophil counts in babies and toddlers, saving procedures and suffering. Administration of AAT may also prevent inner ear pain and hearing loss associated with otosclerosis, otospongiosis, and other conditions affecting the ears and hearing. Excessive neutrophil elastase ("NE") within the ear can result in excessive fluid in the ear. AAT may be used to eliminate inflammatory response in the inner ear. The link between NE and chronic otitis has been demonstrated by Tierney et al. The role of excess neutrophils in inner ear infections, bacterial meningitis, and other conditions was shown by Hamano et al. Due to the link between AATD and conditions affecting the ears, and/or hearing, in one embodiment AAT may be used to treat, control, or prevent conditions affecting the ears, and hearing in patients, either with or without known AATD. A diagnosis of a condition affecting the ears, and/or hearing may prompt…
How this may relate to Alpha-1
Mark Egly's patent proposes that when the body has too little working Alpha-1 Antitrypsin, or when neutrophils release too much neutrophil elastase, inflammation and tissue damage may worsen. For Ears and hearing, the patent suggests that testing for AATD or low circulating AAT could help guide care. This is a research hypothesis, not a proven treatment path for everyone with this condition.
What you can do
If you or a family member lives with Ears and hearing, consider learning about Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency and discussing AAT testing with your healthcare team. The Mark Egly Foundation offers education and community support: