25% Of Under-35s Exhibit Signs Of Hearing Loss, Study Shows

Dec 10 2023

A recent study conducted by Eargym has uncovered that one in four individuals under the age of 35 is exhibiting signs of hearing loss. The study, which involved over 1,000 participants between the ages of 16 and 35, employed ‘speech-in-noise’ tests over four months to assess participants’ auditory health.

The findings indicate that 24% of the participants have already experienced hearing loss, while an additional 19% displayed early signs of hearing damage. Perhaps even more concerning is the revelation that 47% of the participants possessed a ‘hearing age’ significantly older than their biological age, with an average difference of 13 years. This startling data highlights a pervasive issue among the younger demographic, with potentially severe consequences for their long-term hearing health.

The study conducted by Eargym, an innovative app designed to recreate challenging auditory environments, sheds light on the need for increased awareness and preventive measures to address the rising prevalence of hearing issues among young adults. The app’s ‘speech-in-noise’ tests aim to enhance individuals’ ability to listen in difficult situations, providing a proactive approach to maintaining auditory well-being in an increasingly noisy world.

As the study’s implications reverberate, it becomes clear that the modern lifestyle, characterised by constant exposure to loud environments and personal audio devices, may be contributing to a concerning rise in hearing-related concerns among the younger population. The findings underscore the importance of early detection, education, and accessible tools for auditory health to curb the growing prevalence of hearing issues among the youth.

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Labour Party Widens Lead Over PN In Latest Political Survey

Dec 10 2023

In the ever-shifting landscape of Maltese politics, the Labour Party (PL) has once again gained ground ahead of the Nationalist Party (PN) in MaltaToday’s latest survey.

The survey findings, based on data collected from Maltese voters, reveal that the Labour Party enjoys the support of 47.3% of respondents, marking a slight decrease of 1.7 points from the previous month. Meanwhile, the Nationalist Party maintains a 43.1% fraction of support, experiencing a more pronounced drop of 2.3 points during the same period.

The significance of these results lies in the widening lead of the Labour Party over its rival. The 4.2-point gap between the two parties represents an increase of 0.6 points from November, underlining a slight step forward for the PL in the eyes of the electorate. If an election were to take place tomorrow, and assuming a turnout of 69.8%, the data translates into a tangible advantage for the Labour Party—10,352 votes to be precise.

As Malta gears up for potential political changes, these survey results provide a crucial snapshot of the current sentiments among the electorate, shaping the narrative for the future trajectory of the island nation’s politics.

Meanwhile, Robert Abela maintains a solid 37.5% in the party leader barometer, with Bernard Grech trailing with 21.1%. The biggest share remains in the ‘none’ category with 41.3% of the electorate not trusting any party leaders.

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AI Creator Reimagines Xarabank If It Happened In The 1500s

Dec 10 2023

Step into a captivating blend of history and AI creativity with ‘Luke’s AI Stuff,’ a Maltese AI creator that brings an intriguing twist to the local talk show scene. Imagine what an episode of the iconic Maltese talk show ‘Xarabank’ would have looked like during the Order of the Knights of St. John’s stay in Malta, thanks to the imaginative power of AI generation.

According to Luke’s AI, the topics discussed in this historical episode would have been as diverse as the era itself. Delve into debates about whether the Earth was flat, a topic that would have sparked intense discussion among the knights. Witness intriguing confessions as women admit to their husbands that they were witches, reflecting the mystique and superstitions of the time. Scandalous cases of infidelity would have undoubtedly added spice to the conversation, mirroring the timeless nature of human relationships.

In a humorous twist, the AI generation envisions a segment featuring ‘Ċensa’ stealing her neighbours’ goat, providing a touch of local humor and mischief to the historical narrative. ‘Luke’s AI Stuff’ not only transports us to the past but also showcases the creative potential of AI in reimagining the cultural tapestry of Malta through the lens of a beloved talk show.

Would you have watched it?

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Uniquely Maltese Christmas Gifts from ‘Il-Lokal’ for Every Personality

Dec 9 2023

This Christmas, dive into the unique and exquisite offerings from the Maltese handmade product store, ‘Il-Lokal,’ catering to a variety of tastes and preferences.

For the fiery foodies on your list, Ferment Island’s hot sauces are a perfect choice. Indulge their taste buds with flavours like ‘OG,’ ‘Tropical Heat,’ and ‘NYC Hot Pickle,’ crafted to perfection for an unforgettable culinary experience.

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Fashion lovers will adore QUE’s Micro Mystic Gold Pendant, a delicate and stylish accessory that adds a touch of elegance to any outfit. For those proud of their Maltese roots, Kunjomijiet’s Maltese surname prints from the ‘Malti Pur’ collection offer a personalised and sentimental touch.

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Homebodies will appreciate the thoughtfulness behind Signature Slab’s stackable candle holders. These charming pieces not only illuminate spaces but also serve as stylish decor, creating a cozy atmosphere for the holiday season.

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For the coffee aficionados in your life, BABAU’s handmade ceramic espresso cups are a delightful and functional gift. Elevate their coffee-drinking experience with these artisanal cups that blend craftsmanship and practicality seamlessly.

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This Christmas, let ‘Il-Lokal’ be your one-stop destination for unique and locally crafted gifts that cater to every personality on your list, making the season even more special for your loved ones.

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