Auditory streaming of tones of uncertain frequency, level, and duration

Stimulus uncertainty is known to critically affect auditory masking, but its influence on auditory streaming has been largely ignored. Standard ABA-ABA tonesequences were made increasingly uncertain by increasing the sigma of normal distributions from which the frequency, level, or duration of tones were randomly drawn. Consistent with predictions based on a model of masking by Lutfi, Gilbertson, Chang, and Stamas [J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 134, 2160–2170 (2013)], the frequency difference for which A and B tones formed separate streams increased as a linear function of sigma in tone frequency but was much less affected by sigma in tone level or duration.

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Effect of refracted light distribution on the photoelastic generation of zero-group velocity Lamb modes in optically low-absorbing plates

Zero-group velocity (ZGV) Lamb modes are associated with sharp local acoustic resonances and allow, among other features, local measurement of Poisson's ratio. While the thermoelastic generation of Lamb waves in metal plates has been widely studied, the case of materials of low-optical absorption remains unexplored. In materials such as glasses, the generation of bulk elastic waves has been demonstrated to be sensitive to the refracted light distribution. In this paper, a detailed analysis of the effect of light refraction on the laser-based generation of ZGV Lamb modes is presented. Experiments are performed on a bare glass plate without the need for an additional layer for light absorption or reflection. Using an appropriate tilted volume source, it is shown that the laser-ultrasonic technique allows non-contact measurement of the Poisson's ratio.

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Noise in the passenger cars of high-speed trains

The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of both room acoustic conditions and spectralcharacteristics of noises on acoustic discomfort in a high-speed train's passenger car. Measurement of interior noises in a high-speed train was performed when the train was operating at speeds of 100 km/h and 300 km/h. Acoustic discomfort caused by interior noises was evaluated by paired comparison methods based on the variation of reverberation time (RT) in a passenger car and the spectral differences in interior noises. The effect of RT on acoustic discomfort was not significant, whereas acoustic discomfort significantly varied depending on spectral differences in noise. Acoustic discomfort increased with increment of the sound pressure level (SPL) ratio at high frequencies, and variation in high-frequency noise components were described using sharpness. Just noticeable differences of SPL with low- and high-frequency components were determined to be 3.7 and 2.9 dB, respectively. This indicates that subjects were more sensitive to differences in SPLs at the high-frequency range than differences at the low-frequency range. These results support that, for interior noises, reduction in SPLs at high frequencies would significantly contribute to improved acoustic quality in passenger cars of high-speed trains.

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Sequential streaming, binaural cues and lateralization

Interaural time differences(ITDs) and interaural level differences (ILDs) associated with monaural spectral differences (coloration) enable the localization of sound sources. The influence of these spatial cues as well as their relative importance on obligatory stream segregation were assessed in experiment 1. A temporal discrimination task favored by integration was used to measure obligatory stream segregation for sequences of speech-shaped noises.Binaural and monaural differences associated with different spatial positions increased discrimination thresholds, indicating that spatial cues can induce stream segregation. The results also demonstrated that ITDs and coloration were relatively more important cues compared to ILDs. Experiment 2 questioned whether sound segregation takes place at the level of acoustic cue extraction (ITDper se) or at the level of object formation (perceived azimuth). A difference in ITDs between stimuli was introduced either consistently or inconsistently across frequencies, leading to clearly lateralized sounds or blurred lateralization, respectively. Conditions with ITDs and clearly perceived azimuths induced significantly more segregation than the condition with ITDs but reduced lateralization. The results suggested that segregation was mainly based on a difference in lateralization, although the extraction of ITDs might have also helped segregation up to a ceiling magnitude.

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Auditory streaming of tones of uncertain frequency, level, and duration

Stimulus uncertainty is known to critically affect auditory masking, but its influence on auditory streaming has been largely ignored. Standard ABA-ABA tonesequences were made increasingly uncertain by increasing the sigma of normal distributions from which the frequency, level, or duration of tones were randomly drawn. Consistent with predictions based on a model of masking by Lutfi, Gilbertson, Chang, and Stamas [J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 134, 2160–2170 (2013)], the frequency difference for which A and B tones formed separate streams increased as a linear function of sigma in tone frequency but was much less affected by sigma in tone level or duration.

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via IFTTT

Effect of refracted light distribution on the photoelastic generation of zero-group velocity Lamb modes in optically low-absorbing plates

Zero-group velocity (ZGV) Lamb modes are associated with sharp local acoustic resonances and allow, among other features, local measurement of Poisson's ratio. While the thermoelastic generation of Lamb waves in metal plates has been widely studied, the case of materials of low-optical absorption remains unexplored. In materials such as glasses, the generation of bulk elastic waves has been demonstrated to be sensitive to the refracted light distribution. In this paper, a detailed analysis of the effect of light refraction on the laser-based generation of ZGV Lamb modes is presented. Experiments are performed on a bare glass plate without the need for an additional layer for light absorption or reflection. Using an appropriate tilted volume source, it is shown that the laser-ultrasonic technique allows non-contact measurement of the Poisson's ratio.

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via IFTTT

Noise in the passenger cars of high-speed trains

The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of both room acoustic conditions and spectralcharacteristics of noises on acoustic discomfort in a high-speed train's passenger car. Measurement of interior noises in a high-speed train was performed when the train was operating at speeds of 100 km/h and 300 km/h. Acoustic discomfort caused by interior noises was evaluated by paired comparison methods based on the variation of reverberation time (RT) in a passenger car and the spectral differences in interior noises. The effect of RT on acoustic discomfort was not significant, whereas acoustic discomfort significantly varied depending on spectral differences in noise. Acoustic discomfort increased with increment of the sound pressure level (SPL) ratio at high frequencies, and variation in high-frequency noise components were described using sharpness. Just noticeable differences of SPL with low- and high-frequency components were determined to be 3.7 and 2.9 dB, respectively. This indicates that subjects were more sensitive to differences in SPLs at the high-frequency range than differences at the low-frequency range. These results support that, for interior noises, reduction in SPLs at high frequencies would significantly contribute to improved acoustic quality in passenger cars of high-speed trains.

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Sequential streaming, binaural cues and lateralization

Interaural time differences(ITDs) and interaural level differences (ILDs) associated with monaural spectral differences (coloration) enable the localization of sound sources. The influence of these spatial cues as well as their relative importance on obligatory stream segregation were assessed in experiment 1. A temporal discrimination task favored by integration was used to measure obligatory stream segregation for sequences of speech-shaped noises.Binaural and monaural differences associated with different spatial positions increased discrimination thresholds, indicating that spatial cues can induce stream segregation. The results also demonstrated that ITDs and coloration were relatively more important cues compared to ILDs. Experiment 2 questioned whether sound segregation takes place at the level of acoustic cue extraction (ITDper se) or at the level of object formation (perceived azimuth). A difference in ITDs between stimuli was introduced either consistently or inconsistently across frequencies, leading to clearly lateralized sounds or blurred lateralization, respectively. Conditions with ITDs and clearly perceived azimuths induced significantly more segregation than the condition with ITDs but reduced lateralization. The results suggested that segregation was mainly based on a difference in lateralization, although the extraction of ITDs might have also helped segregation up to a ceiling magnitude.

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via IFTTT

Auditory streaming of tones of uncertain frequency, level, and duration

Stimulus uncertainty is known to critically affect auditory masking, but its influence on auditory streaming has been largely ignored. Standard ABA-ABA tonesequences were made increasingly uncertain by increasing the sigma of normal distributions from which the frequency, level, or duration of tones were randomly drawn. Consistent with predictions based on a model of masking by Lutfi, Gilbertson, Chang, and Stamas [J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 134, 2160–2170 (2013)], the frequency difference for which A and B tones formed separate streams increased as a linear function of sigma in tone frequency but was much less affected by sigma in tone level or duration.

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Book review.

Related Articles

Book review.

Int J Audiol. 2015 Dec;54(12):997

Authors: Honaker J

PMID: 26642895 [PubMed - in process]

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Dichotic listening training in children with autism spectrum disorder: A single subject design.

Related Articles

Dichotic listening training in children with autism spectrum disorder: A single subject design.

Int J Audiol. 2015 Dec;54(12):991-6

Authors: Denman I, Banajee M, Hurley A

Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Previous research has shown that dichotic listening training has improved auditory and language processing for individuals with large interaural asymmetries on dichotic listening tasks. This training can be a useful treatment for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
DESIGN: A single subject, multiple baseline across subjects study was utilized.
STUDY SAMPLE: Three children with ASD, between the ages of 8-12, participated in the study.
RESULTS: This training demonstrated improvement in language and auditory processing tasks following completion of up to twelve weeks of auditory training.
CONCLUSION: This study supports the idea that deficit specific, dichotic auditory training can remediate auditory and language deficits for children with ASD. More research is needed, with a group design and controls, in order to generalize these results to the larger ASD population.

PMID: 26642894 [PubMed - in process]

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Cardiovascular risk factors and hearing loss: The HUNT study.

Related Articles

Cardiovascular risk factors and hearing loss: The HUNT study.

Int J Audiol. 2015 Dec;54(12):958-66

Authors: Engdahl B, Aarhus L, Lie A, Tambs K

Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the present paper was to examine the association between prospectively and cross-sectionally assessed cardiovascular risk factors and hearing loss.
DESIGN: Hearing was assessed by pure-tone average thresholds at low (0.25-0.5 kHz), middle (1-2 kHz), and high (3-8 kHz) frequencies. Self-reported or measured cardiovascular risk factors were assessed both 11 years before and simultaneously with the audiometric assessment. Cardiovascular risk factors were smoking, alcohol use, physical inactivity, waist circumference, body mass index, resting heart rate, blood pressure, triglycerides, total serum cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and diabetes.
STUDY SAMPLE: A population-based cohort of 31 547 subjects.
RESULTS: After adjustment for age, sex, level of education, income, recurrent ear infections, and noise exposure, risk factors associated with poorer hearing sensitivity were smoking, diabetes, physical inactivity, resting heart rate, and waist circumference. Smoking was only associated with hearing loss at high frequencies. The effects were very small, in combination explaining only 0.2-0.4% of the variance in addition to the component explained by age and the other cofactors.
CONCLUSION: This cohort study indicates that, although many cardiovascular risk factors are associated with hearing loss, the effects are small and of doubtful clinical relevance.

PMID: 26642893 [PubMed - in process]

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Prevalence of various etiologies of hearing loss among cochlear implant recipients: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Related Articles

Prevalence of various etiologies of hearing loss among cochlear implant recipients: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Int J Audiol. 2015 Dec;54(12):924-32

Authors: Petersen NK, Jørgensen AW, Ovesen T

Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the etiology of deafness in cochlear implanted children and to address the question whether there is a need for more thorough diagnostics, especially concerning genetics.
DESIGN: Systematic review. Four databases were searched for studies (year 2000-2014) on cochlear implanted children (n > 100). Studies were excluded if etiology had influenced their inclusion criteria. Eligibility and methodological quality were assessed independently by three authors. The studies' description of diagnostic evaluation was categorized in three groups.
STUDY SAMPLE: Sixteen studies were included (5069 children).
RESULTS: The most common etiological categories were 'Unknown' 40.3% (95% CI 32.8 to 48.0), 'Non-syndromic' 22.4% (95% CI 17.1 to 28.2), and 'Postnatal' 11.3% (95% CI 7.2 to 16.2). Studies published after 2006 had a lower proportion of 'Unknown' etiology 35.3% (95% CI 28.0 to 42.8) than older 45.5% (95% CI 31.0 to 60.4). Important information was missing from several studies: 11 (69%) studies did not provide detailed description on diagnostic evaluation of the etiology of deafness and had a higher proportion of 'Unknown' etiology.
CONCLUSIONS: In order to ensure a higher level of comparability in future studies, we recommend agreement upon an international standard of diagnostics and the introduction of an international standard for reporting etiology.

PMID: 26642892 [PubMed - in process]

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via IFTTT

Prevalence and risk factors for reduced sound tolerance (hyperacusis) in children.

Related Articles

Prevalence and risk factors for reduced sound tolerance (hyperacusis) in children.

Int J Audiol. 2015 Dec 7;:1-7

Authors: Hall AJ, Humphriss R, Baguley DM, Parker M, Steer CD

Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of reduced sound tolerance (hyperacusis) in a UK population of 11-year-old children and examine the association of early life and auditory risk factors with report of hyperacusis.
DESIGN: A prospective UK population-based study.
STUDY SAMPLE: A total of 7097 eleven-year-old children within the Avon longitudinal study of parents and children (ALSPAC) were asked about sound tolerance; hearing and middle-ear function was measured using audiometry, otoacoustic emissions, and tympanometry. Information on neonatal risk factors and socioeconomic factors were obtained through parental questionnaires.
RESULTS: 3.7% (95% CI 3.25, 4.14) children reported hyperacusis. Hyperacusis report was less likely in females (adj OR 0.64, 95% CI 0.49, 0.85), and was more likely with higher maternal education level (adj OR 1.72, 95% CI 1.08, 2.72) and with readmission to hospital in first four weeks (adj OR 1.98, 95% CI 1.20, 3.25). Report of hyperacusis was associated with larger amplitude otoacoustic emissions but with no other auditory factors.
CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of hyperacusis in the population of 11-year-old UK children is estimated to be 3.7%. It is more common in boys.

PMID: 26642866 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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via IFTTT

Age and gender differences in children and adolescents' attitudes toward noise.

Related Articles

Age and gender differences in children and adolescents' attitudes toward noise.

Int J Audiol. 2015 Dec 7;:1-10

Authors: Warner-Czyz AD, Cain S

Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Most school-aged children experience exposure to hazardous sound levels via high-risk noise activities (e.g. loud music/concerts, firearms). Little information exists regarding factors influencing pediatric engagement in these activities and use of hearing protection devices. This study explores effects of age, gender, and attitudes toward noise on participation in acoustic risk-taking behaviors and hearing conservation practices in children and adolescents.
DESIGN: Cross-sectional.
STUDY SAMPLE: Children and adolescents (10-19 years) with normal hearing.
RESULTS: Most children and adolescents (86.5%) participate in at least one potentially high-risk noise behavior. The most frequently cited activities include sporting events, concerts, and playing a musical instrument. Use of hearing protection devices varies by activity, with consistent wear while using firearms but inconsistent application during all other activities. Gender, but not age, influences acoustic risk-taking behaviors: Boys engage in significantly more high-risk noise activities than girls. Participants expressed a neutral attitude toward noise that persisted across age and gender, but a trend shifting toward a pro-noise attitude emerges in later adolescence.
CONCLUSIONS: The proliferation of acoustic risk-taking behaviors and lack of hearing conservation practices in children and adolescents requires attention at an early age to prevent future noise-induced hearing loss and subsequent quality of life effects.

PMID: 26642751 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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via IFTTT

Book review.

Related Articles

Book review.

Int J Audiol. 2015 Dec;54(12):997

Authors: Honaker J

PMID: 26642895 [PubMed - in process]

from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/1U2OPBk
via IFTTT

Dichotic listening training in children with autism spectrum disorder: A single subject design.

Related Articles

Dichotic listening training in children with autism spectrum disorder: A single subject design.

Int J Audiol. 2015 Dec;54(12):991-6

Authors: Denman I, Banajee M, Hurley A

Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Previous research has shown that dichotic listening training has improved auditory and language processing for individuals with large interaural asymmetries on dichotic listening tasks. This training can be a useful treatment for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
DESIGN: A single subject, multiple baseline across subjects study was utilized.
STUDY SAMPLE: Three children with ASD, between the ages of 8-12, participated in the study.
RESULTS: This training demonstrated improvement in language and auditory processing tasks following completion of up to twelve weeks of auditory training.
CONCLUSION: This study supports the idea that deficit specific, dichotic auditory training can remediate auditory and language deficits for children with ASD. More research is needed, with a group design and controls, in order to generalize these results to the larger ASD population.

PMID: 26642894 [PubMed - in process]

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via IFTTT

Cardiovascular risk factors and hearing loss: The HUNT study.

Related Articles

Cardiovascular risk factors and hearing loss: The HUNT study.

Int J Audiol. 2015 Dec;54(12):958-66

Authors: Engdahl B, Aarhus L, Lie A, Tambs K

Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the present paper was to examine the association between prospectively and cross-sectionally assessed cardiovascular risk factors and hearing loss.
DESIGN: Hearing was assessed by pure-tone average thresholds at low (0.25-0.5 kHz), middle (1-2 kHz), and high (3-8 kHz) frequencies. Self-reported or measured cardiovascular risk factors were assessed both 11 years before and simultaneously with the audiometric assessment. Cardiovascular risk factors were smoking, alcohol use, physical inactivity, waist circumference, body mass index, resting heart rate, blood pressure, triglycerides, total serum cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and diabetes.
STUDY SAMPLE: A population-based cohort of 31 547 subjects.
RESULTS: After adjustment for age, sex, level of education, income, recurrent ear infections, and noise exposure, risk factors associated with poorer hearing sensitivity were smoking, diabetes, physical inactivity, resting heart rate, and waist circumference. Smoking was only associated with hearing loss at high frequencies. The effects were very small, in combination explaining only 0.2-0.4% of the variance in addition to the component explained by age and the other cofactors.
CONCLUSION: This cohort study indicates that, although many cardiovascular risk factors are associated with hearing loss, the effects are small and of doubtful clinical relevance.

PMID: 26642893 [PubMed - in process]

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via IFTTT

Prevalence of various etiologies of hearing loss among cochlear implant recipients: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Related Articles

Prevalence of various etiologies of hearing loss among cochlear implant recipients: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Int J Audiol. 2015 Dec;54(12):924-32

Authors: Petersen NK, Jørgensen AW, Ovesen T

Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the etiology of deafness in cochlear implanted children and to address the question whether there is a need for more thorough diagnostics, especially concerning genetics.
DESIGN: Systematic review. Four databases were searched for studies (year 2000-2014) on cochlear implanted children (n > 100). Studies were excluded if etiology had influenced their inclusion criteria. Eligibility and methodological quality were assessed independently by three authors. The studies' description of diagnostic evaluation was categorized in three groups.
STUDY SAMPLE: Sixteen studies were included (5069 children).
RESULTS: The most common etiological categories were 'Unknown' 40.3% (95% CI 32.8 to 48.0), 'Non-syndromic' 22.4% (95% CI 17.1 to 28.2), and 'Postnatal' 11.3% (95% CI 7.2 to 16.2). Studies published after 2006 had a lower proportion of 'Unknown' etiology 35.3% (95% CI 28.0 to 42.8) than older 45.5% (95% CI 31.0 to 60.4). Important information was missing from several studies: 11 (69%) studies did not provide detailed description on diagnostic evaluation of the etiology of deafness and had a higher proportion of 'Unknown' etiology.
CONCLUSIONS: In order to ensure a higher level of comparability in future studies, we recommend agreement upon an international standard of diagnostics and the introduction of an international standard for reporting etiology.

PMID: 26642892 [PubMed - in process]

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via IFTTT

Prevalence and risk factors for reduced sound tolerance (hyperacusis) in children.

Related Articles

Prevalence and risk factors for reduced sound tolerance (hyperacusis) in children.

Int J Audiol. 2015 Dec 7;:1-7

Authors: Hall AJ, Humphriss R, Baguley DM, Parker M, Steer CD

Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of reduced sound tolerance (hyperacusis) in a UK population of 11-year-old children and examine the association of early life and auditory risk factors with report of hyperacusis.
DESIGN: A prospective UK population-based study.
STUDY SAMPLE: A total of 7097 eleven-year-old children within the Avon longitudinal study of parents and children (ALSPAC) were asked about sound tolerance; hearing and middle-ear function was measured using audiometry, otoacoustic emissions, and tympanometry. Information on neonatal risk factors and socioeconomic factors were obtained through parental questionnaires.
RESULTS: 3.7% (95% CI 3.25, 4.14) children reported hyperacusis. Hyperacusis report was less likely in females (adj OR 0.64, 95% CI 0.49, 0.85), and was more likely with higher maternal education level (adj OR 1.72, 95% CI 1.08, 2.72) and with readmission to hospital in first four weeks (adj OR 1.98, 95% CI 1.20, 3.25). Report of hyperacusis was associated with larger amplitude otoacoustic emissions but with no other auditory factors.
CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of hyperacusis in the population of 11-year-old UK children is estimated to be 3.7%. It is more common in boys.

PMID: 26642866 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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via IFTTT

Age and gender differences in children and adolescents' attitudes toward noise.

Related Articles

Age and gender differences in children and adolescents' attitudes toward noise.

Int J Audiol. 2015 Dec 7;:1-10

Authors: Warner-Czyz AD, Cain S

Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Most school-aged children experience exposure to hazardous sound levels via high-risk noise activities (e.g. loud music/concerts, firearms). Little information exists regarding factors influencing pediatric engagement in these activities and use of hearing protection devices. This study explores effects of age, gender, and attitudes toward noise on participation in acoustic risk-taking behaviors and hearing conservation practices in children and adolescents.
DESIGN: Cross-sectional.
STUDY SAMPLE: Children and adolescents (10-19 years) with normal hearing.
RESULTS: Most children and adolescents (86.5%) participate in at least one potentially high-risk noise behavior. The most frequently cited activities include sporting events, concerts, and playing a musical instrument. Use of hearing protection devices varies by activity, with consistent wear while using firearms but inconsistent application during all other activities. Gender, but not age, influences acoustic risk-taking behaviors: Boys engage in significantly more high-risk noise activities than girls. Participants expressed a neutral attitude toward noise that persisted across age and gender, but a trend shifting toward a pro-noise attitude emerges in later adolescence.
CONCLUSIONS: The proliferation of acoustic risk-taking behaviors and lack of hearing conservation practices in children and adolescents requires attention at an early age to prevent future noise-induced hearing loss and subsequent quality of life effects.

PMID: 26642751 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/1U2OP4v
via IFTTT

Book review.

Book review.

Int J Audiol. 2015 Dec;54(12):997

Authors: Honaker J

PMID: 26642895 [PubMed - in process]

from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/1U2OPBk
via IFTTT

Dichotic listening training in children with autism spectrum disorder: A single subject design.

Dichotic listening training in children with autism spectrum disorder: A single subject design.

Int J Audiol. 2015 Dec;54(12):991-6

Authors: Denman I, Banajee M, Hurley A

Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Previous research has shown that dichotic listening training has improved auditory and language processing for individuals with large interaural asymmetries on dichotic listening tasks. This training can be a useful treatment for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
DESIGN: A single subject, multiple baseline across subjects study was utilized.
STUDY SAMPLE: Three children with ASD, between the ages of 8-12, participated in the study.
RESULTS: This training demonstrated improvement in language and auditory processing tasks following completion of up to twelve weeks of auditory training.
CONCLUSION: This study supports the idea that deficit specific, dichotic auditory training can remediate auditory and language deficits for children with ASD. More research is needed, with a group design and controls, in order to generalize these results to the larger ASD population.

PMID: 26642894 [PubMed - in process]

from #Audiology via ola Kala on Inoreader http://ift.tt/1OhB6Sk
via IFTTT

Cardiovascular risk factors and hearing loss: The HUNT study.

Cardiovascular risk factors and hearing loss: The HUNT study.

Int J Audiol. 2015 Dec;54(12):958-66

Authors: Engdahl B, Aarhus L, Lie A, Tambs K

Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the present paper was to examine the association between prospectively and cross-sectionally assessed cardiovascular risk factors and hearing loss.
DESIGN: Hearing was assessed by pure-tone average thresholds at low (0.25-0.5 kHz), middle (1-2 kHz), and high (3-8 kHz) frequencies. Self-reported or measured cardiovascular risk factors were assessed both 11 years before and simultaneously with the audiometric assessment. Cardiovascular risk factors were smoking, alcohol use, physical inactivity, waist circumference, body mass index, resting heart rate, blood pressure, triglycerides, total serum cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and diabetes.
STUDY SAMPLE: A population-based cohort of 31 547 subjects.
RESULTS: After adjustment for age, sex, level of education, income, recurrent ear infections, and noise exposure, risk factors associated with poorer hearing sensitivity were smoking, diabetes, physical inactivity, resting heart rate, and waist circumference. Smoking was only associated with hearing loss at high frequencies. The effects were very small, in combination explaining only 0.2-0.4% of the variance in addition to the component explained by age and the other cofactors.
CONCLUSION: This cohort study indicates that, although many cardiovascular risk factors are associated with hearing loss, the effects are small and of doubtful clinical relevance.

PMID: 26642893 [PubMed - in process]

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via IFTTT

Prevalence of various etiologies of hearing loss among cochlear implant recipients: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Prevalence of various etiologies of hearing loss among cochlear implant recipients: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Int J Audiol. 2015 Dec;54(12):924-32

Authors: Petersen NK, Jørgensen AW, Ovesen T

Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the etiology of deafness in cochlear implanted children and to address the question whether there is a need for more thorough diagnostics, especially concerning genetics.
DESIGN: Systematic review. Four databases were searched for studies (year 2000-2014) on cochlear implanted children (n > 100). Studies were excluded if etiology had influenced their inclusion criteria. Eligibility and methodological quality were assessed independently by three authors. The studies' description of diagnostic evaluation was categorized in three groups.
STUDY SAMPLE: Sixteen studies were included (5069 children).
RESULTS: The most common etiological categories were 'Unknown' 40.3% (95% CI 32.8 to 48.0), 'Non-syndromic' 22.4% (95% CI 17.1 to 28.2), and 'Postnatal' 11.3% (95% CI 7.2 to 16.2). Studies published after 2006 had a lower proportion of 'Unknown' etiology 35.3% (95% CI 28.0 to 42.8) than older 45.5% (95% CI 31.0 to 60.4). Important information was missing from several studies: 11 (69%) studies did not provide detailed description on diagnostic evaluation of the etiology of deafness and had a higher proportion of 'Unknown' etiology.
CONCLUSIONS: In order to ensure a higher level of comparability in future studies, we recommend agreement upon an international standard of diagnostics and the introduction of an international standard for reporting etiology.

PMID: 26642892 [PubMed - in process]

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via IFTTT

Prevalence and risk factors for reduced sound tolerance (hyperacusis) in children.

Prevalence and risk factors for reduced sound tolerance (hyperacusis) in children.

Int J Audiol. 2015 Dec 7;:1-7

Authors: Hall AJ, Humphriss R, Baguley DM, Parker M, Steer CD

Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of reduced sound tolerance (hyperacusis) in a UK population of 11-year-old children and examine the association of early life and auditory risk factors with report of hyperacusis.
DESIGN: A prospective UK population-based study.
STUDY SAMPLE: A total of 7097 eleven-year-old children within the Avon longitudinal study of parents and children (ALSPAC) were asked about sound tolerance; hearing and middle-ear function was measured using audiometry, otoacoustic emissions, and tympanometry. Information on neonatal risk factors and socioeconomic factors were obtained through parental questionnaires.
RESULTS: 3.7% (95% CI 3.25, 4.14) children reported hyperacusis. Hyperacusis report was less likely in females (adj OR 0.64, 95% CI 0.49, 0.85), and was more likely with higher maternal education level (adj OR 1.72, 95% CI 1.08, 2.72) and with readmission to hospital in first four weeks (adj OR 1.98, 95% CI 1.20, 3.25). Report of hyperacusis was associated with larger amplitude otoacoustic emissions but with no other auditory factors.
CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of hyperacusis in the population of 11-year-old UK children is estimated to be 3.7%. It is more common in boys.

PMID: 26642866 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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via IFTTT

Age and gender differences in children and adolescents' attitudes toward noise.

Age and gender differences in children and adolescents' attitudes toward noise.

Int J Audiol. 2015 Dec 7;:1-10

Authors: Warner-Czyz AD, Cain S

Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Most school-aged children experience exposure to hazardous sound levels via high-risk noise activities (e.g. loud music/concerts, firearms). Little information exists regarding factors influencing pediatric engagement in these activities and use of hearing protection devices. This study explores effects of age, gender, and attitudes toward noise on participation in acoustic risk-taking behaviors and hearing conservation practices in children and adolescents.
DESIGN: Cross-sectional.
STUDY SAMPLE: Children and adolescents (10-19 years) with normal hearing.
RESULTS: Most children and adolescents (86.5%) participate in at least one potentially high-risk noise behavior. The most frequently cited activities include sporting events, concerts, and playing a musical instrument. Use of hearing protection devices varies by activity, with consistent wear while using firearms but inconsistent application during all other activities. Gender, but not age, influences acoustic risk-taking behaviors: Boys engage in significantly more high-risk noise activities than girls. Participants expressed a neutral attitude toward noise that persisted across age and gender, but a trend shifting toward a pro-noise attitude emerges in later adolescence.
CONCLUSIONS: The proliferation of acoustic risk-taking behaviors and lack of hearing conservation practices in children and adolescents requires attention at an early age to prevent future noise-induced hearing loss and subsequent quality of life effects.

PMID: 26642751 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Book review.

Book review.

Int J Audiol. 2015 Dec;54(12):997

Authors: Honaker J

PMID: 26642895 [PubMed - in process]

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Dichotic listening training in children with autism spectrum disorder: A single subject design.

Dichotic listening training in children with autism spectrum disorder: A single subject design.

Int J Audiol. 2015 Dec;54(12):991-6

Authors: Denman I, Banajee M, Hurley A

Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Previous research has shown that dichotic listening training has improved auditory and language processing for individuals with large interaural asymmetries on dichotic listening tasks. This training can be a useful treatment for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
DESIGN: A single subject, multiple baseline across subjects study was utilized.
STUDY SAMPLE: Three children with ASD, between the ages of 8-12, participated in the study.
RESULTS: This training demonstrated improvement in language and auditory processing tasks following completion of up to twelve weeks of auditory training.
CONCLUSION: This study supports the idea that deficit specific, dichotic auditory training can remediate auditory and language deficits for children with ASD. More research is needed, with a group design and controls, in order to generalize these results to the larger ASD population.

PMID: 26642894 [PubMed - in process]

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Cardiovascular risk factors and hearing loss: The HUNT study.

Cardiovascular risk factors and hearing loss: The HUNT study.

Int J Audiol. 2015 Dec;54(12):958-66

Authors: Engdahl B, Aarhus L, Lie A, Tambs K

Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the present paper was to examine the association between prospectively and cross-sectionally assessed cardiovascular risk factors and hearing loss.
DESIGN: Hearing was assessed by pure-tone average thresholds at low (0.25-0.5 kHz), middle (1-2 kHz), and high (3-8 kHz) frequencies. Self-reported or measured cardiovascular risk factors were assessed both 11 years before and simultaneously with the audiometric assessment. Cardiovascular risk factors were smoking, alcohol use, physical inactivity, waist circumference, body mass index, resting heart rate, blood pressure, triglycerides, total serum cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and diabetes.
STUDY SAMPLE: A population-based cohort of 31 547 subjects.
RESULTS: After adjustment for age, sex, level of education, income, recurrent ear infections, and noise exposure, risk factors associated with poorer hearing sensitivity were smoking, diabetes, physical inactivity, resting heart rate, and waist circumference. Smoking was only associated with hearing loss at high frequencies. The effects were very small, in combination explaining only 0.2-0.4% of the variance in addition to the component explained by age and the other cofactors.
CONCLUSION: This cohort study indicates that, although many cardiovascular risk factors are associated with hearing loss, the effects are small and of doubtful clinical relevance.

PMID: 26642893 [PubMed - in process]

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Prevalence of various etiologies of hearing loss among cochlear implant recipients: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Prevalence of various etiologies of hearing loss among cochlear implant recipients: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Int J Audiol. 2015 Dec;54(12):924-32

Authors: Petersen NK, Jørgensen AW, Ovesen T

Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the etiology of deafness in cochlear implanted children and to address the question whether there is a need for more thorough diagnostics, especially concerning genetics.
DESIGN: Systematic review. Four databases were searched for studies (year 2000-2014) on cochlear implanted children (n > 100). Studies were excluded if etiology had influenced their inclusion criteria. Eligibility and methodological quality were assessed independently by three authors. The studies' description of diagnostic evaluation was categorized in three groups.
STUDY SAMPLE: Sixteen studies were included (5069 children).
RESULTS: The most common etiological categories were 'Unknown' 40.3% (95% CI 32.8 to 48.0), 'Non-syndromic' 22.4% (95% CI 17.1 to 28.2), and 'Postnatal' 11.3% (95% CI 7.2 to 16.2). Studies published after 2006 had a lower proportion of 'Unknown' etiology 35.3% (95% CI 28.0 to 42.8) than older 45.5% (95% CI 31.0 to 60.4). Important information was missing from several studies: 11 (69%) studies did not provide detailed description on diagnostic evaluation of the etiology of deafness and had a higher proportion of 'Unknown' etiology.
CONCLUSIONS: In order to ensure a higher level of comparability in future studies, we recommend agreement upon an international standard of diagnostics and the introduction of an international standard for reporting etiology.

PMID: 26642892 [PubMed - in process]

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Prevalence and risk factors for reduced sound tolerance (hyperacusis) in children.

Prevalence and risk factors for reduced sound tolerance (hyperacusis) in children.

Int J Audiol. 2015 Dec 7;:1-7

Authors: Hall AJ, Humphriss R, Baguley DM, Parker M, Steer CD

Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of reduced sound tolerance (hyperacusis) in a UK population of 11-year-old children and examine the association of early life and auditory risk factors with report of hyperacusis.
DESIGN: A prospective UK population-based study.
STUDY SAMPLE: A total of 7097 eleven-year-old children within the Avon longitudinal study of parents and children (ALSPAC) were asked about sound tolerance; hearing and middle-ear function was measured using audiometry, otoacoustic emissions, and tympanometry. Information on neonatal risk factors and socioeconomic factors were obtained through parental questionnaires.
RESULTS: 3.7% (95% CI 3.25, 4.14) children reported hyperacusis. Hyperacusis report was less likely in females (adj OR 0.64, 95% CI 0.49, 0.85), and was more likely with higher maternal education level (adj OR 1.72, 95% CI 1.08, 2.72) and with readmission to hospital in first four weeks (adj OR 1.98, 95% CI 1.20, 3.25). Report of hyperacusis was associated with larger amplitude otoacoustic emissions but with no other auditory factors.
CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of hyperacusis in the population of 11-year-old UK children is estimated to be 3.7%. It is more common in boys.

PMID: 26642866 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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Age and gender differences in children and adolescents' attitudes toward noise.

Age and gender differences in children and adolescents' attitudes toward noise.

Int J Audiol. 2015 Dec 7;:1-10

Authors: Warner-Czyz AD, Cain S

Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Most school-aged children experience exposure to hazardous sound levels via high-risk noise activities (e.g. loud music/concerts, firearms). Little information exists regarding factors influencing pediatric engagement in these activities and use of hearing protection devices. This study explores effects of age, gender, and attitudes toward noise on participation in acoustic risk-taking behaviors and hearing conservation practices in children and adolescents.
DESIGN: Cross-sectional.
STUDY SAMPLE: Children and adolescents (10-19 years) with normal hearing.
RESULTS: Most children and adolescents (86.5%) participate in at least one potentially high-risk noise behavior. The most frequently cited activities include sporting events, concerts, and playing a musical instrument. Use of hearing protection devices varies by activity, with consistent wear while using firearms but inconsistent application during all other activities. Gender, but not age, influences acoustic risk-taking behaviors: Boys engage in significantly more high-risk noise activities than girls. Participants expressed a neutral attitude toward noise that persisted across age and gender, but a trend shifting toward a pro-noise attitude emerges in later adolescence.
CONCLUSIONS: The proliferation of acoustic risk-taking behaviors and lack of hearing conservation practices in children and adolescents requires attention at an early age to prevent future noise-induced hearing loss and subsequent quality of life effects.

PMID: 26642751 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]

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The Effect of Aging and the High-Frequency Auditory Threshold on Speech-Evoked Mismatch Negativity in a Noisy Background

Mismatch negativity (MMN) has been widely used to study the function of central auditory processing in the elderly. However, current research has not yet considered the effect of noise and high-frequency hearing threshold on MMN in the elderly. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of aging and high-frequency hearing loss on speech-related MMN in noisy backgrounds. Additionally, the possible mechanisms of central auditory processing dysfunction in the elderly were investigated. Fifty people aged 61-80 (70 ± 5.8) years were recruited for this study. They were divided into a 61- to 70-year-old group and a 71- to 80-year-old group. Fifty younger adults aged 21-40 (31 ± 5.3) years were recruited as healthy controls. Pure-tone hearing thresholds were recorded. A speech discrimination score (SDS) and a speech-evoked MMN under white noise with a bandwidth from 125 to 8,000 Hz background condition were recorded. The relationships between SDS and MMN latency and amplitude were analyzed. The effects of age and binaural 2,000-, 4,000- and 8,000-Hz pure-tone hearing thresholds on MMN latency and amplitude were analyzed. We found that the hearing thresholds of 2,000, 4,000 and 8,000 Hz in the 61- to 70-year-old and 71- to 80-year-old groups were higher than those in the control group. The SDS in a noisy background in the 61- to 70-year-old and 71- to 80-year-old groups were lower than those in the control group. Speech-evoked MMN latency was longer in the 61- to 70-year-old and in the 71- to 80-year-old groups than in the control group (215.8 ± 14.2 ms). SDS and speech-evoked MMN latency were negatively correlated. Age and speech-evoked MMN latency were positively correlated, as were the binaural 4,000- to 8,000-Hz pure-tone hearing thresholds and speech-evoked MMN. This study suggests that in elderly subjects, the function of preattentive central auditory processing changes. Additionally, increasing age and high-frequency hearing thresholds create a synergy in neurons that is weakened in the MMN time window, which may be a cause of central auditory processing disorders in elderly subjects in noisy background conditions.
Audiol Neurotol 2016;21:1-11

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